Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis and other bone weakening diseases mainly in postmenopausal women. Popular names of various Bisphosphonates sold on the market include:
- Fosamax
- Actonel
- Aredia
- Bonefos
- Boniva
- Didronel
- Skelid
- Zometa.
Unfortunately, these biophosphonate drugs have been linked to a number of serious side effects. One of these side effects is osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is a medical condition characterized by jaw bone death and can result in chronic pain, exposed bone, toothache, altered sensation, loosening of the teeth, etc. One of the reasons the jaw is so affected by this medication is that the jaw absorbs more of the biophosphonates than other bones in the body. One the medication absorbs in the bones, it can remain there for a significant amount of time.
Another side effect linked to the usage of biophosphonates is that increases the chance that an individual will sustain a femur fracture. The femur bone, also known as the thigh bone, are very painful when fractured and often require surgery to repair.
Possible Side Effects of Biophosphonate:
- Espophageal cancer
- Arrythmia
- Unexpected Femur Fractures (Broken Thigh Bone)
- Dead Jaw aka Osteoncrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
- Severe Musculoskeletal Pain
Due to the high number of individuals that experienced these issues, a Multi District Litigation was established before the United States District Court of New Jersey to consolidate these pending cases.
Fosamax Lawsuit Update
Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Fosamax has agree to settle some of the outstanding lawsuits for $27.7 million dollars.
If you or a loved one has been prescribed a biophosphonate such as Fosamax, please call the experienced drug side effect lawyers at the Ruth Law Team,1-888-783-8378, for a free consultation about your legal rights.