Drugs & Medical Devices
Fosamax
|
Fosamax affects men and women alike: information and resources
An estimated 2 million men in America already have osteoporosis. Twelve million men are at serious risk of developing osteoporosis. Because of this, doctors will prescribe the drug Fosamax to either prevent or treat this condition. Fosamax is used to treat various bone conditions, but recent studies show that long-term Fosamax use can cause serious injuries such as femur fracturing. Even though women have less bone density than men (med.umich.edu), Fosamax can be just as harmful to male users as female users (WebMD).
Anyone who has been seriously injured by femur fractures from taking Fosamax has the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Weitz & Luxenberg can help in this pursuit. Contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a free legal consultation on your Fosamax case.
Bone conditions in men for which Fosamax is prescribed:
Osteoporosis
"Women live longer, so they're more likely to get osteoporosis," says Paul Mystkowski, an endocrinologist at Virginia Mason Medical. Mystkowski goes on to explain that men are also more active, in general, throughout their lives, which helps to maintain healthy bones.
Paul Mystkowki says that “in general, osteoporosis in men is considered a symptom of something else." Typically, it is something that has to do with testosterone deficiency. "There's a clear consensus that when you're evaluating men with osteoporosis, you always evaluate for testosterone deficiency." Postmenopausal women usually get osteoporosis because of the changes in hormones that women go through during menopause. For men, the cause is not so natural; however, there is another reason why men would get osteoporosis – lack of calcium and vitamin D. When the body runs low on calcium, it steals the calcium that helps make up your bones. Vitamin D helps bring more calcium into the body. So, a healthy diet full of calcium and vitamin D can significantly improve male bone health (WebMD).
Paget’s disease
Paget’s disease is where the bones begin growing abnormally. The bones will become enlarged or deformed causing symptoms such as arthritis, fracturing, and pain (Medicinenet.com). Although, Paget’s disease affects men and women similarly, men are more prone to developing it. Paget’s usually happens in men between the ages of 50 and 70. The disease affects Caucasian men with ancestry in the northwestern European region. In the United States, Paget’s is found in African-Americans (bone-muscle.health-cares.net).
Prescribing Fosamax to men
Though the majority of Fosamax users are women, men are prescribed the drug frequently, and the negative side-effects of the drug affect both sexes equally. In October, 2010, the FDA warned individuals that femur fracturing can be a result of taking Fosamax. Your bone density goes up the longer you take Fosamax, but after about five years, the bones start to become brittle. Your bones, especially the femur, are then prone to fracture easily.
How to get compensated
Fracturing your femur is a serious injury. For some people, this can even be fatal due to blood loss and other complications. The tragedy of Fosamax is that even if you survive and recover from one femur fracture, another one may be right around the corner. Those that take the drug for more than five years are 125 times more likely to suffer a femur fracture than those who are not taking the drug (lawyersandsettlements).
Weitz & Luxenberg can help those who have been injured by Fosamax. Our skilled team of defective medicine and medical devices attorneys are up to date on the Fosamax problem. We can help you received the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. After submitting the form, a representative of Weitz & Luxenberg will be in touch with you within 24 hours to provide you with a free, no obligation, legal consultation. There is no need to delay – contact Weitz & Luxenberg. We want to hear your case.
Sources:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/guides/osteo.htm
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/male-men
http://www.medicinenet.com/pagets_disease/article.htm
http://bone-muscle.health-cares.net/pagets-disease-risk.php
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/blog/fosamax-femur-fractures-in-media-spotlight-03791.html
see also:
Fosamax and Esophageal Cancer
Fosamax linked to esophageal cancer: how Weitz & Luxenberg can help youFosamax and esophageal cancer linked in recent study
Fosamax and Femur Fractures
How Fosamax Can Cause Femur FracturesFemur Fractures Caused by Fosamax Use
Fosamax Side Effects
Fosamax side effects causes serious bone and esophageal problemsFosamax is known to cause serious side effects for its long-term users
