Fosamax users may want to think twice about continuing its use, and speak to a New York dangerous drug attorney if they have been negatively affected. The bisphosphonates medication used to slow the natural process of bone loss has been linked to very dangerous side effects. Just this year, a recently released study continued to affirm links between Fosamax and cancer, and the FDA also cautioned about the long-term use of Fosamax.
The Dangerous Side Effects of Fosamax
The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Fosamax in 1995. Manufactured by Merck, Fosamax has been plagued with issues related to the effects it has had on patient’s long-term health.
Some of the most dangerous side effects that may be associated with Fosamax include:
- Esophageal cancer – Research seems to indicate a link between Fosamax and esophageal cancer. Researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago published a June 2012 study at the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago that suggested a higher rate of esophageal cancer in individuals who took alendronate, which is the generic name for Fosamax, compared to those who took other drugs. Researchers identified 128 cases of bisphosphonate-associated esophageal cancer.
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw – This condition is characterized by the deterioration of the jawbone, and it may lead to parts of the bone dying. Risk for this condition may be highest in individuals who have cancer and are receiving treatment, and those who have undergone a dental procedure or who have a dental condition.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) – This potentially fatal skin condition may produce blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, skin shedding, skin pain, red or purple rash, hives and swelling of the tongue or face. A small number of Fosamax users have reported SJS symptoms.
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) – Related as a severe drug reaction, TEN causes the outermost skin, known as the epidermis, to detach from innerlayers of the skin.
Recent FDA Findings
According to an article in The New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA recently performed a systematic review of the effectiveness of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates for long-term use. The analysis “raised the question of whether continued bisphosphonate therapy imparts additional fracture-prevention benefit, relative to cessation of therapy after 5 years.” It went on to recommend individual assessment of benefits versus risks when deciding whether to continue use.
In the end, the FDA is recommending updates in the labeling of bisphosphonates, but it stopped short of supporting a regulatory restriction on how long the drug should be used.
What to Do If You’re Injured
Fosamax users who have experienced side effects need to talk with a New York dangerous drug attorney. Fosamax is one of those drugs that has been on the market for a long time and may have caused irreparable harm to your body for years before your current symptoms surfaced.
As risks are becoming more evident with cases, victims of this type of dangerous drug may file a claim against the manufacturer, Merck. To win your claim, you will need to prove you were injured and the drug caused your injury. You also will need to show that this dangerous drug had unreasonably dangerous side effects.
Legal Help for Fosamax Patients
Anyone who has suffered an injury because of Fosamax intake may be eligible for a settlement from Merck. The New York dangerous drug attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates are specialized in handling pharmaceutical litigation and want to help you. Call us for a no-obligation consultation today at 800-246-4878.
