Daniel R. - $10,500,000.00
Fosamax
Fosamax Highlights
- Fosamax has been associated with Femur Fractures.
- To date, the FDA has not issued any black box warnings or recalls for any of the bisphosphonates, including Fosamax.
- Fractures have been reported form activities as simple as walking up a flight of stairs.
About Fosamax
Merck & Co., Inc., received FDA approval to market Fosamax in the United States in 1995. Fosamax is a pharmaceutical medication prescribed to treat osteoporosis (bone loss) and several other bone-related diseases including Paget’s disease. It was originally available in two formulations: regular Fosamax, and Fosamax Plus D (with vitamin D). Since 2008, the drug has also been available in a generic form due to the expiration of Merck’s patent. Despite success in treating various bone loss disorders, Fosamax has been associated with several serious side effects. Among the most serious are esophageal cancer, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and deterioration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Due to these and other serious risks, the FDA issued a variety of health alerts concerning Fosamax and related bisphosphonates in 2008. This drug remains available on the market today.
If you or a loved one has experienced an adverse reaction while taking Fosamax you may be entitled to a cash settlement. Please complete the form and one of our attorneys will contact you or call 1-800-LAW-FIRM now.
Since the original posting of this article new evidence has been accumulating linking Fosamax to an increased risk of a rare form of femur fracture. This condition is caused by the way Fosamax and other bisphosphonates work to prevent osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates work to prevent the break down of bones but at the same time they interrupt the bodys natural process of repairing micro fractures. These micro fractures can accumulate until they result in a rare type of bone fracture in the femur and can occur from the simplest of physical activities, including walking up a flight of steps.
Conditions Caused By Fosamax
- Accumulation of Micro Fractures
- Sudden Femur Fracture
Side Effects & Symptoms
- Esophageal Ulceration.
- Femur Fracture
- Skin Rash
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
- Severe Muscle, Joint, And Bone Pain (FDA alert issued)
- Auditory And Visual Hallucinations
Warnings & Recalls
- In 2008, the FDA issued two specific alerts for bisphosphonates, including Fosamax. These alerts warned consumers and healthcare providers of the increased risk of severe muscle, joint, and bone pain and atrial fibrillation that could occur as a result of using these products.
- To date, the FDA has not issued any black box warnings or recalls for any of the bisphosphonates, including Fosamax.
Cases, Settlements, & Verdicts
- At least 15 lawsuits involving Fosamax have been filed against Merck. The first lawsuit went to trial in August 2009, but a mistrial was declared during jury deliberations. That trial has been rescheduled.
- As of October 2009, many lawsuits against Merck’s Fosamax are pending litigation, but none have proceeded to jury verdict.
