FDA Reviewing Link Between Fosamax and Esophageal Cancer
Just ten days after it announced a September meeting of its advisory committee to discuss whether certain bone strengthening drugs, bisphosphonates, can cause Fosamax femur fractures, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that it is reviewing whether the same drugs also cause esophageal cancer.
On July 21, the FDA released a safety announcement that it is evaluating conflicting data from the U.K. on whether oral bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that are used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone, increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Two studies on the subject were published last year: One found that bisphosphonates led to no increased risk of esophageal cancer while the other concluded that the drugs double the risk.
According to the FDA, it “believes that the benefits of oral bisphosphonate drugs in reducing the risk of serious fractures in people with osteoporosis continue to outweigh the potential risks,” and that its “review is ongoing and the Agency has not concluded that patients taking oral bisphosphonate drugs have an increased risk of esophageal cancer.”
Fosamax and other bisphosphonates are known to cause esophagus problems, including heartburn, irritation, inflammation, or bleeding ulcers, and come with explicit directions for use to avoid them. For example, patients are instructed to not lie down or eat or drink for 30-60 minutes after taking the drugs.
The FDA notes that methodological differences between the two studies may account for the divergent findings and also that patients who take bishphosphonates are more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects, undergo an endoscopy, and have their cancer detected.
Announcement Comes Ahead of September Advisory Meeting
The FDA’s comments follow an announcement on July 11 that a panel of its advisors will meet in September to review data on bisphosphonates and atypical femur fractures. A growing body of evidence suggests that drugs like Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel can cause a rare type of thigh bone break that occurs after little or no impact. Patients nationwide have reportedly suffered the injury, and dozens of them have taken aim at drugmaker Merck & Co. by filing Fosamax femur lawsuits. Many of the cases have been consolidated for pre-trial litigation in both federal and state courts. The fosamax femur lawsuits are the latest source of legal woes for Merck, which is also defending charges that Fosamax can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
Contact RLG for Help With a Fosamax Case
The Rottenstein Law Group will continue to monitor all news related to Fosamax and esophageal cancer and provide updates when they become available. RLG is also offering complimentary case reviews to anyone who suffered an abnormal femur fracture after taking Fosamax.
The fosamax lawyers of RLG have a collective 25 years of experience defending the rights of clients against large corporations such as Merck. To find out whether you may qualify for compensation through a fosamax lawsuit, fill out this form or call 1-877-332-2347.
