Fosamax & Osteonecrosis Legal Action & Information
If you have been affected by osteonecrosis of the jaw (also known as "dead
jaw") or any bone or jaw related issue that is related to taking Fosamax
than contact our firm immediately. Ingerman & Horwitz represents individuals
who are victims of such afflictions. Contact us today
to see how we can help you.
View our television commercial regarding the dangerous effects of Fosamax
below.
Fosamax is a drug widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis. In some
cases, the use of this drug may be linked to osteonecrosis - bone rotting
in the upper and lower jaw. This condition can result in irreversible damage
to the jaw bone, and forever change the quality of life for those affected.
If you have developed these complications after taking Fosamax, you may
have important legal rights.
For questions concerning your legal rights, get in contact with a Fosamax
attorney to learn about your rights.
Fosamax Facts and Legal Information
The below points were provided by Tim O'Brien of Levin
Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Echsner & Proctor, P.A.:
- Fosamax falls within a class of drugs known as biphosphonates.
- Bisphosphonates are used in chemotherapy for metastatic cancers, including
breast and bone. Other drugs within this class such as Aredia and Zometa
are also used as chemotherapy and adjunct chemotherapy but are not indicated
for use in non-cancerous conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Merck successfully sought and received from the FDA approval to market
this drug for non-cancerous conditions such as osteoporosis and as a prophylactic
treatment for post-menopausal women.
- Bisphosphonates are effective in the prevention of bone resorption,
and thus inhibit bone density loss. However, bone resorption plays a critical
roles in maintaining normal bone homeostasis, in fighting infection, and
in the healing process. It is through this likely mechanism that jaw problems
can begin from such small dental procedures as fillings, root canals,
etc. Additionally, bisphosphonates inhibit endothelial cell function.
Bisphosphonates also inhibit vascularization of the affected area. Bisphosphonates
also induce ischemic changes specific to the patients mandibles (lower
jaws) and maxillae (upper jaws) and these ischemic changes appear to be
cumulative in nature.
- These factors combine to create a compromised vascular supply in the
affected area. As a result, a minor injury or disease can turn into a
non-healing wound. That in turn can progress to widespread necrosis (bone
death) and osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone marrow).
- A recent medical article reveals that as many as 38% of patients on
bisphosphonates therapy have necrosis of the maxilla.
- Dentists are now being advised to refrain from using any invasive procedure
(such as drilling a cavity) for any patient on Fosamax.
- Once the necrosis begins, it is very difficult to treat and is not reversible.
Additional Fosamax Resources
Fosamax Drug Could Become Next Merck Woe
Wall Street Journal
