Fosamax Fracture Lawsuit

FDA Continues Evaluation of Fosamax

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of a potential link between Fosamax use and femur fractures following a March 2010 safety communication which announced the agency's ongoing safety review of Fosamax. Since the release of this safety communication, the agency reviewed the America Society for Bone Mineral Research Task Force report, along with other available data. This additional data has found that Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs need additional femur fracture warnings added to their warnings and precautions sections and medication guides. These warnings are only some of the medical problems with Fosamax.

The FDA has also recently gone over several studies about the link between Fosamax and femur fractures. This review has lead to the FDA to release a warning about Fosamax and bisphosphonate use. The FDA warning on Fosamax use and femur fractures reads: “ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public regarding information previously communicated describing the risk of atypical fractures of the thigh, known as subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur fractures, in patients who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. This information will be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the labels of all bisphosphonate drugs approved for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. Atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures are fractures in the bone just below the hip joint. Diaphyseal femur fractures occur in the long part of the thigh bone. These fractures are very uncommon and appear to account for less than 1% of all hip and femur fractures overall. Although it is not clear if bisphosphonates are the cause, these unusual femur fractures have been predominantly reported in patients taking bisphosphonates.”

Fosamax Settlement

Since the warning the FDA has been able to review all available data on bisphosphonate use, including data summarized in the American Society for Bone Mineral Research Task Force report. This report recommended additional product labeling, better identification and tracking of patients experiencing these breaks, and more research to determine whether and how these drugs cause the serious but uncommon fractures.

Currently both Merck and the FDA agree that more research is needed to link Fosamax use to atypical femur fractures. Many studies suggest an overall benefit from taking Fosamax for patients who are at risk for osteoporosis. In fact, bisphosphonates can help prevent hip and spine fractures, which for many patients can potentially lead other serious conditions and even death. Before starting bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax patients should consult with their doctors and become properly aware of any possible side effects the drug may have.

URL References:

• http://abcnews.go.com/WN/WellnessNews/fda-consult-experts-fracture-risk-bone-drugs/story?id=10065341#.T132CYHxqz4
• http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm229009.htm

 

The Unwanted Side Effects of Fosamax

Fosamax has long been talked about by many people due to its adverse effects. In fact, this is the reason why lawsuits kept on increasing against its manufacturer. As more and more researchers study the medicine, the discovery between the relationship between osteoporosis and exercise is inevitable.

 

Fosamax is classified as bisphosphonates which augments bone mineral density by stimulating bone formation and restraining bone resorption or breakdown at the same time. Drugs belonging to this group are usually prescribed to prevent or treat bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (Paget’s disease), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism and osteogenesis imperfecta. Yet, these drugs have earned notoriety for yielding unwarranted effects like osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ) and atypical thigh bone fractures.

 

Osteonecrosis of the jawbone (ONJ). ONJ is an infrequent but severe dental condition in which a fraction of a jawbone tissue is divulged that does not heal as a result of poor blood supply until the bone tissue dies. There is no diagnostic exam that detects ONJ – it is only diagnosed when a jawbone is exposed which lasts for more than 8 weeks. In most cases, patients may feel pain or discomfort as a result from a likely infection, swelling of soft tissue, drainage and exposure of the bone.

 

To reduce the risk of ONJ, good oral hygiene with regular dental care should be observed by the patient. Also, inform your dentist prior to any dental procedure that you are taking Fosamax or other bisphosphonates. On the other hand, patients who have not started their bisphosphonate therapy are suggested to wait until any immediate dental procedure is finished, even if the procedure is just minor.

 

Atypical fracture of the femur. On October 13, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration advised the addition of two atypical femur fractures on the label warnings of bisphosphonates which included Fosamax. An expanded research suggested that prolonged use of the drug could lead to the development of such fractures. Yet, FDA insisted that the benefits still outweigh the risk which seems to be pretty rare.

 

The FDA also advised the physicians that stopping from the therapy for a little while might be the solution for people who felt significantly dull, aching pain in the thigh or groin. Additionally, some health care providers prescribe Fosamax for a period not exceeding four years. After all, the goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of the occurrence of fractures and certainly dealing with Fosamax femur fracture will not make it right.

References:

boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/osteonecrosis.pdf
medscape.com/viewarticle/730388
rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/onj.asp

Getting to Know the Bad Effects of Coffee

Many people drink coffee. Often they need it to function better for their day-to-day activities. Recently, a study found out that coffee may reduce the effectiveness of an osteoporosis drug, especially with the recent Fosamax lawsuit filed in Illinois. It might be important to evaluate the value of coffee in our lives. Here’s a list of its different negative consequences:

Addictive

Caffeine, which is the main ingredient of coffee, is known to have addictive  properties. It is public knowledge already about how its addiction works. Once you start drinking coffee, you will find a hard time to resist drinking it again. Your body will look for the effects that it can bring. Then, an increasing amount of it must be needed in the long run. Feelings of drowsiness and grogginess will then happenwhen it is not taken anymore.

Diuretic

Diuretic properties are present in coffee. Urination occurs frequently among users, especially when  your body gets accustomed to it. Once you fail to drink coffee, your body will react negatively which can be a problem and trouble-some.

Increased Stress

The body’s response to stress may be heightened by the presence of coffee. As a  result, blood pressure increases, which happens every time one is under stress. Heart problems and other serious medical conditions may set in due to a constant increase in blood pressure.

Hunger

Metabolism is one of the many body functions that can be affected by coffee. It increases once caffeine is present. Energy will be used up and, as it is vital, hunger happens as a way of replenishing the lost energy. Thus, it increases food appetite in some people.

Coffee is also known to increase insulin resistance. It reacts with blood sugar in order to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) This condition makes the digestive tract unable to process energy. Hunger will then happen.

Teeth Discoloration

The teeth can be stained, giving off yellowish tint when coffee is consumed daily. This can be problematic for your confidence as it will make a smile unappealing. This just looks like a physical problem. However, deeper things may happen. The discoloration of the teeth may affect the teeth’s enamel. Decay and sensitivity of the teeth will then happen. In the long run, the enamel may be damaged, and when it does, it is irreplaceable.

This discussion all started from how coffee affects Fosamax which is currently reported to produce femur fractures. Of course, coffee also has its benefits. It is believe to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, has potential anti-diabetic property, and is one of the best antioxidants. As with most of things, the key is still moderation. When coffee is consumed in a moderate way, its bad effects are less likely to happen.

References:

health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_risk
professorshouse.com/Food-Beverage/Beverages/Hot-Drinks/Articles/Health-Effects-of-Coffee/
pnwf.org/CoffeeEdited041001.pdf

Osteoporosis Development through Different Factors

Millions of Americans have already been affected by the brittle bone disease called osteoporosis and millions more are believed to be at risk. However, America is not alone in facing the consequences. Osteoporosis is truly a global problem.

• Fact #1: Europeans are also afflicted with this disease.

• Fact #2: Europeans want to explore more about this condition so different studies have been set out. A discovery showed that vitamin D-deficient Europeans are at a great risk to getting afflicted with osteoporosis.

Biphosphonates have been well-known to battle osteoporosis. Research indicates that bisphosphonates may prevent the development of bone metastases. But it must be understood that despite the availability of treatment, prevention will always be a lot better than the cure. Increasing awareness of the risks will help patients to determine their own prophylactic measures against osteoporosis. Knowing about the dangers before they can happen is surely a great step.

The risk factors for osteoporosis are divided into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. The modifiable factors are those involving lifestyle and the others which are still changeable while non-modifiable ones are those which are already permanent. Despite being irreversible, it is still important to know the unchangeable factors to calculate your own risk of incurring the said illness.

Listed below are the non-modifiable factors of osteoporosis:

Gender. Women are twice likely to develop the disease than men, medical findings show. Men tend to have higher bone mass and slower rate of bone loss than women; hence they are less inclined to the disease. Still, at least two million male Americans have already acquired the disease.

Age. For some time, your bone density remains normal and there is a good balance in the bone remodeling cycle. Yet, as our age increase, our bone density starts to slough and we become more inclined towards osteoporosis. In the case of women, bone loss is activated a few years after menopause and the rate gradually increases.

Ethnicity. Although adults from all ethnic groups may develop osteoporosis, Caucasian and Asian adults, in particular, are facing a greater risk too.

Body Type. Osteoporosis seem to pose a bigger threat to people with small and thin figure.

Family and personal history. You may be likely to suffer osteoporosis if there is a family member diagnosed with it. Family history of fractures may also insinuates higher fracture risk. Also, people who have obtained a fracture in the past are more likely to endure another fracture than healthy individuals with the same age and sex.

If the information above makes you a high risk for osteoporosis, consult your doctor to verify your suspicions. Your condition will be assessed and if you are already at the early stage of developing osteoporosis, you might be prescribed with bisphosphonates, which includes Fosamax. Medical personnel must be asked to provide answers as there is a constant increase of Fosamax femur fractures among patients using the drug.

 

References:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoporosis#Nonmodifiable
mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128/DSECTION=risk-factors
medes.fr/home_fr/applications_sante/osteoporose/eristo/osteoporosis/Bone_Remodeling.html
umm.edu/patiented/articles/who_gets_osteoporosis_000018_5.htm

Merck & Co., Its Past and Present

Merck & Co. is a very well-known company, with marketing and sales presence in most countries around the world. Being one of the large pharmaceutical establishments, it finds out, builds up, makes up and sells an extensive range of products to promote human and animal health. However, while profits of the company continue to rise, Merck faces thousands of lawsuits because of some problems concerning their products, especially mounting consumer complaints against osteoporosis drug Fosamax. DEXA scanning is now being advised to lessen Fosmax femur fracture risk.

Merck & Co. originated in Darstadt, Germany with a drug store that Freidrich Jacob Merck bought in 1668. It took over two centuries and several generations before Merck & Co. reached American shores and Merck finally instituted the US branch of the family corporation in New York. Today, the US company employs 51,000 workers in 120 countries, becoming one of the top seven pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Merck also distributes The Merck Manuals, which is a collection of books for medical reference. This includes the world’s best-selling medical textbook, the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, and a collection of information about chemical compounds, the Merck Index.

The company earns billions of dollars annually. On the first quarter of last year alone, Merck said that its profit ($1 billion) has tripled compared from the first quarter sales of 2010.

Merck also had a share of bad times. Vioxx was a drug for arthritis, which was later found in 2004 to have a very high risk of cardiovascular problems. Blaming Vioxx for dismal side effects that endangered the lives of their kin, around 50,000 consumers so far pressed Merck for damages. Consequently, in November 2007, Merck proposed to pay almost $5 billion to settle most of the pending Vioxx lawsuits.

In the same light, since the previous decade, Fosamax is another drug made by Merck that has received negative perception reviews due to its association with some bone ailments. People may complain about the death of a jawbone or a certain type of fracture in the femur. Fosamax is a biphosphonate that is the treatment of choice for osteoporosis and Paget’s Disease. At this point, there are still many Fosamax cases that remained under litigation. Merck is now facing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

 

References:

merckgroup.com/en/company/history/history.html
merckmanuals.com/professional/index.html

Dried Fruit and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be medicated by lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. Treatment may include both for people with osteoporosis. But recent research presents that Fosamax, a drug that cures osteoporosis, may be substituted with dried fruits in order to beat osteoporosis. As an additional, a current research suggested that follow-up can work as osteoporosis prevention.Currently, an additional research suggests that follow-up can work as osteoporosis prevention.

Because of the recent Fosamax issues, this study may encourage patients to pot for dried plums therapy instead. But you should always consult your doctor regarding your decisions on your health matters.

Dried Plums Instead of Fosamax?

Dried plums are the most effective vegan diet that counters osteoporosis. They elevate bone mineral density and promote overall bone health. This information is based on the result of the study conducted by researchers from Florida State University. Its complete report is published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

They described the regular consumption of dried plums as a "simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis."

The study further revealed that dried plums have the ability to suppress the accelerated bone resorption process in older individuals, which ends up exceeding the body's capacity to produce new bone tissue.

Moreover, the research said that postmenopausal women who eat dried plums regularly have a considerably lower risk of developing osteoporosis than the others who are of the same age.

Women are More Susceptible to Osteoporosis than Men

Osteoporosis is more commonly encountered by postmenopausal women, as it is directly linked to the cessation of ovarian function. But according to researcher Bahram Ajmandi , at around the age of 65, men will also begin to experience bone tissue loss, as their testosterone production gravely decreases.

"In the first five to seven postmenopausal years, women are at risk of losing bone at a rate of 3 to 5 percent per year," he said.

Based on the present figures, about 8 million women and 2 million men have osteoporosis in the United Stated alone.

Issues of Fosamax Drugs

Fosamax lawsuits are currently a big issue being faced by Merck after the publication of numerous studies that link the drugs to abnormal bone fractures and the release of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning in October.


References:

sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818093048.htm

US Drug Watchdog and Fosamax

The US Drug Watchdog, a premier private pharmaceutical effects monitor and advocacy group in the United States, is one of the many organizations dedicated to helping people suffering from Fosamax use. Currently, this group has been intensifying its search for those who have suffered femur or thighbone fractures while taking the osteoporosis drug Fosamax, especially now that Fosamax lawsuits are scheduled for a February 2012 trial.

Fosamax is part of the group of drugs called biphosphonates. They are also known as antiresorptive medicines, which slow or stop the natural process that dissolves bone tissue, resulting in maintained or increased bone density and strength. Recently, a couple of studies showed that femur fractures can result from Fosamax use.

Since the first time it was made available to the public in 1995, Fosamax developed by Merck & Co. became one of the most prescribed drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. Severe side effects suggested by recent studies to be associated with the long-term use of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates include femur fractures, osteonecrosis, musculoskeletal pain and esophageal cancer. At the risk of developing another ailment equally debilitating, the drug is known to prevent the development of osteoporosis. If osteoporosis already has developed, it slows the rate of bone thinning, thereby reducing the risk of broken bones.

According to the US Drug Watchdog, one of the biggest problems the group has faced with respect to its drug initiative work is that the average US consumer never hears about a drug recall, or serious side effects related to a specific drug's use. With regards to Fosamax, the group is trying to identify women, who have taken the drug for five years, or more, and for no apparent reason suffered a broken femur, or thigh bone. The group said this could be a particularly serious Fosamax side effect as these types of leg breaks are also called atypical fractures as it could happen suddenly and without warning.

The US Drug Watchdog further stated that “Most importantly we want to get the word out about Fosamax, and long term users, who have suffered from an unexplainable broken femur, or broken leg. At the same time, we want to make certain all Fosamax users, who suffered an unexplained broken femur, or thigh bone get to the actual trial law firms or attorneys, that have the best record in achieving superior results for their clients—period.”

Despite releasing a safety warning last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to put up a firm stance with regards to Fosamax; however, the side effects of Fosamax suffered by many women are no fluke. Now, people who have been affected are finding solace and redress through a Fosamax lawsuit.

 

Reference:

 
http://news.yahoo.com/us-drug-watchdog-urges-family-members-women-suffered-080440829.html

Benefits of a Fosamax Multidistrict Litigation

The issues raised against the adverse effects of Fosamax have piled up that more lawsuits have been filed against its manufacturer, published reports say. The New York Court decided that all these Fosamax-related legal problems will be handled by a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL became possible on 2006. A Fosamax MDL court decision has just been issued.

The results from this Fosamax MDL have brought excitement to many people. But the outcome turned out to be quite depressing for plaintiffs. These lawsuits came about after the drug received complaints from its users. There were also reports that a warning regarding femur fractures was not given by its manufacturers. However, the Supreme Court believes that when a Fosamax brand name manufacturer cannot provide warnings, a generic manufacturer cannot be expected to do it too.

Even if one has the legal justifications, this MDL decision can be a big letdown for those who wants to pursue a Fosamax compensation from a generic manufacturer. As for the original manufactures of this drug which is the origin of these cases, the results can in no way affect it.

Generic Fosamax users are not expected to find advantages on a Fosamax MDL after its results. It is advantageous for Fosamax brand name plaintiffs. A consolidation on cases sharing similar fact into one and to be held in one district court under the management of only one judge is what happens on a MDL.

Many people still prefers an MDL because it is said to be way better than a class action lawsuit as each case will have an effect on the judge’s decision. Class action lawsuits handle cases under it in a general way, in which the court tends to profess the same verdicts. And the judge can rule out individual case in case classes are not carefully defined for certification.

Florida, Louisana, and Pennsylvania Fosamax femur fracture plaintiffs were disapproved by the presiding judge that handled the class action lawsuit due to the inadequate information on its class definition and some of the cases did not meet the given standards. It is very clear how a class action lawsuit can be hard to manhandle which gives MDL to be a more favorable option. But not all people prefer a MDL which makes the existence of a Fosamax class action lawsuit a good news for them.

 

References:

supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-993.pdf
nolo.com/dictionary/multidistrict-litigation-term.html
wisegeek.com/what-is-a-class-action-lawsuit.htm

Osteoporosis Prevention: Its Different Approaches

There are around 68 percent of women among the 44 million Americans who suffer from osteoporosis across the United States. This disease is considered as a major health problem due to the 1.5 million average fractures it brings every year,medical research says. A wide, diverse range of treatment options have been developed because of this medical condition. A heavy person is more capable in handling osteoporosis is one of the facts that is newly discovered.

Deterioration of the bone happens when one is afflicted with the medical condition called osteoporosis. In order to know if one is afflicted with this condition, a bone density test can be advised by a doctor. In order to prevent the consequences of osteoporosis like bone breakage, this procedure can determine if you need an osteoporosis preventive medication.

In order to avoid the incidence of fracture that often accompanies osteoporosis, the doctor can advise you different kinds of therapies. Dependent upon your body’s need, you may need to engage in regular exercise and adjust your diet. Drug therapy alone may not produce the most desired outcome of the treatment.

Bisphosphonate drugs are presently the most preferred treatment for osteoporosis. They reduce bone loss by preventing bone resorption and lower the risk of spine and hip fracture. The alendronate drug Fosamax is the best example of this drug.

One of the most used osteoporosis treatment before biphosphonates came in the picture was estrogen hormone therapy. Estrogen hormone therapy works by increasing formation of the bone while reducing bone resorption. As a result, bone loss is prevented. As estrogen hormone therapy is only good for women, men can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.

Nutrition, exercise, and safety considerations are the top priorities of a successful treatment program. A sufficient amount of vitamin D and calcium in a diet should be consumed by people who have osteoporosis. Weight bearing are also important like walking and hiking.

The treatment for osteoporosis involves many options. The best treatment program can only be advised by a medical professional who knows your medical history. Advantages and disadvantages are expected in every kind of treatment. Just like the biphosphonate drug called Fosamax, reports about it say that it can cause adverse effects like an atypical femur fracture. The drug company that manufactured it somehow failed to provide complete disclosure of the hazard. Right now, it is facing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

 

References:

orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00232
aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-11-2011/carrying-few-extra-pounds-may-be-healthy.2.html

Fosamax Effects

There is no knowing when a femur fracture will happen. There can be many reasons why this bone condition happens but even mundane activities can be enough of a reason like athletic jumping on a rope with your neighborhood children. This condition has started many researches and the use of biphosphonate drugs like Fosamax were found out to result in femur fractures. Fosamax and another biphosphonate are now being tested on space stations.

Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called biphosphonates, which are used in preventing the loss of bone mass and is usually prescribed as treatment for osteoporosis. Unexpectedly, the number of reports from Fosamax users claiming that they sustained spontaneous fracture as a result of the long-term use of the drug continues to rise.

A spontaneous fracture happens when the continuity of the bone breaks even without any force or trauma occurring. Patients report that they were merely walking down the steps and standing for a certain duration or playing jumping rope with kids when the break in the bone manifests.

Long-terms users of this drug reported that it is not only femoral fractures they are experiencing as a side effect of this particular biphosphonate. Medical conditions like osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known to many as ONJ, Dead Jay or Bis-Phossy Jaw, as well as severe musculoskeletal pain are linked to the use of Fosamax. Its manufacturer Merck may already have known about the risks for ONJ but chose to do without properly informing the patients.

Altering the bone cycle formation and reducing bone density is the primary role of Fosamax. This mechanism of action also prevents bone resorption, exposing its patients to certain types of bone break. Postmenopausal women have been prescribed with biphosphonates but there is no indication regarding the length of use. This dilemma are answered by doctors through the five-year limit to the course of treatment.

Biphosphonates have been very popular that around 37 million prescriptions were written for it around 2008. The number of women suffering from brittle bones and the possibility of them experiencing a spontaneous fracture due to the use of this drug seems pretty depressing. These kind of situations have actually led to many people filing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.