Fosamax, which is a bisphosphonate drug, is mainly prescribed to patients who are trying to combat osteoporosis and several other type of bone disorders. This drug was originally manufactured and distributed by Merck. However, the company lost its generic patent on Fosamax in 2008. A lawsuit filed by two Illinois women is claiming that Merck largely exaggerated the medical benefits of Fosamax.
However, while there are still many patients who use Fosamax with no problems, Fosamax does have its list of potential side effects. Some of the commonly reported side effects of Fosamax include: abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, heart burn, irritation of the esophagus, difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, headache, constipation and diarrhea. While there are several other side effects that had been commonly observed, it is important that if users happen to begin showing any of those side effects, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
here have been recent studies conducted by University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Health Research Institute, whose results show that Fosamax and several other bisphophonates can actually increase the risk of contracting bone necrosis, or bone death. The study does go on to say however, the illness is rare; (approximately one in every 20,000 people is diagnosed with it every year) and that Fosamax users are at a three times higher risk of developing the disease.
The most commonly seen type of bone necrosis in Fosamax patients is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The Professors of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami published a research study in 2005 entitled "Bisphosphonate-Induced Exposed Bone (Osteonecrosis/Osteopetrosis) of the Jaws: Risk Factors, Recognition, Prevention and Treatment.” In the published results of the study it has been shown that ONJ was most prevalent in patients who are recovering from cancer and are receiving Fosamax through intravenous injection. Furthermore, the study goes on to state that the best way to avoid ONJ is to reduce intake of bisphosphonate drugs and not to have any surgical procedures done on one’s jaw.
In many cases Fosamax patients do not present any adverse side effects of Fosamax use. However, with the number of Fosamax lawsuits increasing, it is important to know its possible side effects. If you think that any of the side effects of Fosamax have begun to show, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
References: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/fosamax-side-effects.html http://fosamaxsideeffects.com
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