The history of Fosamax: information and resources

Fosamax is the subject of much controversy. From its approval for use by the FDA in 1995 to today, those that once considered Fosamax a savior in their lives are now referring to it as a destroyer of lives because of the drug’s devastating long-term side-effects. Many studies and case reports suggest that Fosamax causes the following conditions:

Femur Fracture
Brittle Bones
Esophageal cancer
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead jaw)

Still, the FDA will not take Fosamax off the market until they conduct further research, and Merck & Company (the manufacturer of Fosamax) continues to claim there is no link between these conditions and use of their drug.

Weitz & Luxenberg wants to hear any serious injury case as a result of taking Fosamax. We can help those negatively affected by Fosamax through a lawsuit against Merck & Company. Merck has already paid out millions in compensation to those injured. Contact Weitz & Luxenberg today for your free legal consultation.

What is Fosamax?

Fosamax (or Alendronate, generic) is a drug belonging to the bisphosphonate medication group. The drug was created to treat weak or deteriorating bones.

Fosamax works by delaying the death of bone cells. The cells that make up our bones are always deteriorating and regenerating, but in a healthy person, this process is kept in a perfect balance. For instance, at the moment one cell dies and is reabsorbed into the body, another cell is born. Because of this balance, our bones remain strong and can easily do their jobs of supporting our bodies. The problem is that with old age and certain bone diseases, the process of bone cell birth gets delayed. So, now the balance is off. For instance, someone with osteoporosis will have two bone cells die as one is born, and over time the bones are not as strong as they used to be. Drugs like Fosamax are called antireabsorbant drugs, which means that they delay the process of a bone cell dying and becoming reabsorbed by the body. In theory, this puts back into balance the process of cell birth and death in the patient’s bones.

Ailments for which Fosamax is prescribed

Fosamax is prescribed for:

Osteoporosis in males
Osteoporosis in females
Paget’s disease

The problems with Fosamax

There are two major problems with Fosamax:

Fosamax causes problems with the stomach and, more severely, with the esophagus. Diane Wysowski, an epidemiologist at the FDA, found through research studies that "several adverse esophageal events have been reported with the use of oral bisphosphonates, including erosion and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, esophageal stricture and perforation, and esophageal cancer."
As much as Merck & Co. states that Fosamax helps human bones, it also hurts them. Long-term use of Fosamax has been linked to thigh bone fracturing and osteonecrosis of the jaw (a disease where the jaw bone dies and becomes unusable).

Merck & Company – The maker of Fosamax

Merck & Company is a pharmaceutical preparation and manufacturing company. It started with the purchasing of an apothecary by Jacob Merck in Germany in 1668. Almost 200 years later in 1827, Heinrich Emmanuel Merck changes the local pharmacy into a drug manufacturing company. It was not until 1903 that Merck built its first building in the United States. Now, after the production of the drug Vioxx, Merck has carved itself out a place as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Merck & Co. has a history of problems with the drugs they produce. Vioxx, one of their greatest money-makers, was recalled after studies and case reports linked it to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Still, despite the numerous tests, Merck’s stance on Fosamax is that there is no evidence that Fosamax increases the risk of osteonecrosis , femur fractures, and esophageal cancer (Azstarnet, NY Times, ABC News).

Weitz & Luxenberg can help

Despite what Merck might say, those that have been injured by Fosamax have the right to pursuit financial compensation for their losses. For a free, no obligation, legal consultation of your Fosamax case, simply fill out the form on this page. Weitz & Luxenberg wants to hear your case.

Sources:

http://www.drugs.com/news/long-term-bone-may-linked-esophageal-cancer-26445.html

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Merck-amp;-Co-Inc-Company-History.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/business/03drug.html

http://azstarnet.com/news/science/health-med-fit/article_de190307-6f8a-5adc-b6d9-44b50ce1d83d.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/CancerPreventionAndTreatment/story?id=6555040&page=2

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Fosamax Timeline

A timeline of the Fosamax problem: from FDA approval to million-dollar lawsuits
A detailed timeline that follows the course of the controversial drug Fosamax

The history of fosamax

An overview of the history of Fosamax
Overview of Fosomax History

Why is Fosamax prescribed?

Fosamax is prescribed to treat bone conditions, but contains serious health risks
Conditions for which doctors prescribe Fosamax: information about conditions and risks

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