Generically known as alendronic acide or alendronate sodium, Fosamax is a bisphosphonate tablet prescribed in the treatment of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. Fosamax has been proven effective at preventing bone fractures by its ability to adjust the cycle of bone formation, thereby retarding bone loss and increasing bone mass. Fosamax is manufactured by Merck and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 1995. In February 2008, the FDA approved the first generic versions of alendronic acid. Barr Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals market the generic versions of Fosamax.

Fosamax Dose

The precise dose of Fosamax that a person is prescribed will depend on the individual's medical history and age. In most cases, patients are instructed to take Fosamax once a day or once a week at the same time each morning. When taking Fosamax, it's important that patients:

• Take the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces)
• Do not chew or crush the pill but, rather, swallow the whole pill
• Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before eating or taking any other type of medication or supplement
• Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax, as this medication can have serious stomach and/or esophageal complications

Fosamax Side Effects

Patients have reported developing serious, life-threatening side effects as a result of taking Fosamax. Severe Fosamax side effects may include:

• Auditory hallucinations
• Esophageal cancer
• Eye problems
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw, the deterioration of the jawbone (This side effect is most common in patients with a history of cancer and/or chemotherapy.)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a potentially fatal skin condition in which the skin's layers separate and die off
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a more severe form of SJS

Symptoms

If Fosamax patients begin developing any of the following symptoms, they should seek emergency medical care:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn (new or worsening)
• Jaw pain, numbness and/or inflammation
• Pain in the joints, bones and/or muscles
• Rib or back pain

Fosamax Lawsuits

People who are seriously injured after taking Fosamax will likely be entitled to a sizable settlement from Merck. If you've been harmed by Fosamax or another medication, contact our defective drug lawyers for legal assistance. At Gacovino, Lake and Associates, we have extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation and are committed to helping the injured and their families get the compensation they are entitled to.

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