The problem with Fosamax: life-threatening side effects and what can be done

Fosamax causes damage and the public is not being properly notified. After at least five years of taking the drug Fosamax, severe, life-threatening side effects can immerge, and the public was not and still is not properly informed about it. This is the problem with Fosamax. Numerous case reports, testimonies from doctors, and articles in major news publications have all agreed that there is a link between Fosamax and the following severe side effects:

• Femur fracture
• Brittle bones
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
• Esophageal cancer
• Esophagitis

Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence, Merck & Co. (the manufacturer of Fosamax) still states that there is no connection between taking their drug and developing the above conditions.

Fosamax was approved for public use in 1995. It typically takes 5 to 10 years for the above symptoms to develop. For years, people have been taking Fosamax and not experiencing any of these side effects. It is only now, that more and more reports of people suffering from these severe side effects are coming to light.

Those that are experiencing severe side effects after taking the drug Fosamax have the right to pursuit a lawsuit. Merck has already given $8 million dollars in compensation to a woman who developed osteonecrosis of the jaw after using Fosamax. Weitz & Luxenberg can help those suffering with any one of the conditions listed above by fighting for the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free legal consultation (Bloomberg.com).

Information on the severe side effects

So far, only people who have been taking the drug Fosamax for at least five years have developed the following side effects:

• Femur Fracture: after an extended period of time regularly taking Fosamax people experience a fracture in their femur (thigh bone). This fracture is severe and happens even during low-energy exercises. One doctor said that he had only seen fractures of this severity in instances of car accidents (abcnews.com).
• Brittle bones: this is where the bones become easily breakable. The most common problem is the fracturing of the thigh bone. In 2009, Merck & Co. faced over 900 lawsuits involving brittle bones as a result of long-term Fosamax use (palmbeachpost.com) (nytimes.com).
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw:  this involves the slow death of the jawbone through lack of blood flow. Treatments are available; however, surgical removal of infected jaw area is often required. The symptoms include extreme pain, inflammation, and lesions around the jaw. In some cases, osteonecrosis of the jaw can lead to complete breakdown of the jaw area and result in disfigurement (webmd.com).
• Esophageal cancer: this is a particularly rare and dangerous form of cancer that develops in the esophagus (the hollow tube that connects your throat to your stomach). Once diagnosed, the chance of surviving the next five years is only 17%. The cancer cells form tumors in the lining of the esophagus and grow outward. These tumors can easily spread to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs (cancer.net). Taking Fosamax doubles your chances of developing esophageal cancer says a study published in the British Journal of Medicine in 2010. A year before this study was published, eight Fosamax users died of esophageal cancer (emaxhealth.com).
• Esophagitis: this is an inflammation due to a severe infection in the esophagus. The result is difficulty swallowing, pain, and scarring and ulcers in the esophagus. In rare cases, the problem can develop into the condition Barrett’s Esophagus, which involves acid reflux and heartburn. Barrett’s Esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer (medicine.net).

How Weitz & Luxenberg can help

Weitz & Luxenberg is well aware of the problems caused by Fosamax. As of right now, our skilled Defective Medicine and Devices legal team is working hard at handling the many cases of femur fractures as result of taking Fosamax, and unfortunately cannot currently accept any cases dealing with the other side effects.

For a free, no obligation legal consultation on your potential Fosamax lawsuit, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative will be in touch to explain your legal options and let you know the first step towards financial compensation. There is no need to wait, contact Weitz & Luxenberg today. We want to hear you case.

Sources:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1024/94/28167/fosamax-may-cause-esophageal-cancer.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-04/merck-fosamax-verdict-reduced-to-1-5-million-from-8-million.html

http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Esophageal+Cancer

http://www.medicinenet.com/esophagitis/article.htm

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/on-call/2010/03/09/is-fosamax-causing-brittle-bones-rather-than-preventing-them-abcs-good-morning-america-investigation-suggests-it-is/

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

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/fosamax-long-term-bone-strengthening-drug-linked-fractures/story?id=10045179

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/20061101/drug-for-bone-disease-linked-to-jaw-death

see also:

Fosamax and Femur Fractures How Fosamax Can Cause Femur Fractures
Femur Fractures Caused by Fosamax Use

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Fosamax's ghastly effects: osteonecrosis of the jaw
The popular drug Fosamax has been known to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw

Fosamax Lawsuit Weitz & Luxenberg can help you seek compensation for injuries caused by Fosamax
Injured by Fosamax? Weitz & Luxenberg can help you pursue compensation for your injuries