Louisiana Doctor Debates Efficacy of Fosamax Drug Holiday
Many people have been filing Fosamax lawsuits because there is evidence to indicate that the drug, manufactured by Merck, causes femur fractures and jawbone death in people who take it to combat osteoporosis.
A Louisiana-based endocrinologist is questioning the need for a Fosamax “drug holiday” in order to avoid the risk of atypical femur fractures and jawbone death that have been associated with long term use of bisphosphonates.
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A Drug Holiday Can Lower the Risk of Fractures
According to Dr. Timothy Gilbert, an endocrinologist at the Endocrinology Center of Southwest Louisiana, “We have good data to support use of bisphosphonates out to about 5 to 8 years” Dr. Gilbert thinks “We are preventing far more fractures than creating,” but referenced the Canadian study that looked at 200,000 people and found the increased risk of femur fracture and jawbone death if drugs like Fosamax are taken for too long a period of time. He believes that some patients can discontinue use of bisphosphonates for as long as 5 years while still protecting themselves from developing osteoporosis. Drugs like Fosamax build up in the body and can still be effective even when they are discontinued.
A Drug Holiday is Not for Everyone
Dr. Gilbert suggests that patients who are thinking about stopping Fosamax therapy should not do so on their own. They should have their condition assessed by a qualified physician in order to determine their risk for fractures despite the possible side effects of taking the drug. “There are also persons who probably are at a very high fracture risk and would not benefit and probably would pose themselves at a higher risk for fractures if they stopped the medicine on their own.” Dr. Gilbert’s ideal candidate for a drug holiday would be someone who is still relatively young and active, who has responded positively to osteoporosis treatment.
Statistics show that osteoporotic fractures affect more women than heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer combined. About two million bone fractures can be blamed on osteoporosis each year, so it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of taking bisphosphonate drugs with a qualified physician.
Osteoporosis Strikes During Menopause
Osteoporosis strikes many women during menopause due to the cessation of ovarian hormone production. The disorder also afflicts approximately two million men. Many affected individuals are prescribed bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax to combat the condition, and become susceptible to serious side effects associated with the drug. If you have been taking Fosamax for an extended period of time, and have suffered a femur fracture, it could be because of the medication. If you feel you have a potential femur fracture lawsuit against Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, the lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group can help. Our Fosamax lawyers have over 25 years of collective experience advocating for clients in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. Please fill out our contact form, and one of our lawyers will be in touch shortly.
