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
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