BREAKING FOSAMAX NEWS:
FOSAMAX LINKED TO  OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW (ONJ) OR "JAW DEATH"

Fosamax, used by nearly 10 million men and women to help prevent or treat bone loss or osteoporosis, has allegedly been linked to 2,400 incidents of jaw death, jaw bone decay or Osteonecrosis of the jaw since 2001. An additional 120 people taking these drugs in pill form have claimed to have such debilitating pain that they have become bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs. Moreover, as much as 90 percent of drug side effects may never have been reported to the  Food and Drug Administration, meaning the total number of people suffering from ailments because of Fosamax may be much higher.

Fosamax is the brand name for the drug Alendronate. It belongs to a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women who are losing bone density. The have also been used for nearly 15 years in men and women who have cancer. Other bisphosphonates include Actonel, Boniva, Bonefos, Didronel, Aredia, Skelid and Zometa.

A connection between bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, and Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was discovered in 2004. The findings were published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and showed the side effects of Fosamax may include ONJ, a condition commonly called “jaw death.”

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed can lead to fractures and infections often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patient using Fosamax is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.

Symptoms of “jaw death” include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.

The highest risk factors for ONJ or jaw death are:

1) taking bisphosphonates like Fosamax, especially in IV form
2) concurrent use of steroids
3) previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease
4) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.

If you suffer from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or jaw death as a result of taking Fosamax you should contact an attorney.  Please fill out the form below and your submission will be forwarded to an attorney.  If you require immediate attention contact attorney Justin Ross Cook at (888) 423-4477.