Fosamax Side Effects Should Be Weighed Against Benefits
Although osteoporosis, according to a recent New York Times feature, is both underdiagnosed and undertreated, it is important for those with the disease to be aware of potential bisphosphonate side effects, which have to date prompted thousands users to file Fosamax lawsuits against the manufacturer, Merck & Co.
10 Million Americans Suffer from Osteoporosis
A Times article from October 31 titled, “A Reminder on Maintaining Bone Health,” points out that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million more are at risk of developing the condition.
Doctors often prescribe bisphospohonates, a class of bone-strengthening drugs introduced to the U.S. market in 1995, to prevent fractures. Fosamax, the first available bisphosphonate, was hugely successful for Merck, with sales of the medication reaching $3.2 billion in 2005.
According to the Times, bisphosphonates reduce the risk of a fragility fracture by 30 to 50 percent, and while there is little question that they are effective at preventing fractures, they can also cause Fosamax side effects that warrant serious consideration.
Fosamax Lawsuits Stem from Osteonecrosis, Abnormal Femur Fractures
Thousands of Fosamax users have reported suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and spontaneous femur fractures, and two separate federal mass torts have been established to deal with the large number of Fosamax lawsuits filed by people who suffered these side effects.
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a New York District court consolidated over 1,000 claims that Fosamax causes osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition that can result in jaw bone death. Five Fosamax ONJ lawsuits have gone to trial, with Merck claiming victory in four of them.
A separate, more recent MDL in New Jersey District court was established in May 2011. It includes more than 300 cases alleging that Fosamax causes femur fractures after little or no impact. Experts project that the total number of Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits will increase significantly as attorneys continue to review and file claims.
Obtain a Complimentary Fosamax Lawsuit Evaluation from RLG
Fosamax users who suffer an abnormal thigh bone break may be eligible for a Fosamax lawsuit settlement. To find out whether you may qualify for compensation, contact the Rottenstein Law Group, a firm with more than 25 years of collective experience seeking justice on behalf of injured consumers. To speak with a lawyer, fill out this form or call 1-877-332-2347. A member of RLG will be in touch with you shortly.
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