Fosomax The Next Vioxx?
A study recently published in the Journal of the American Dental Association says that people taking the drug Fosomax may be at risk of developing a rare disorder called osteonecrosis. The disease is a condition marked by pain, swelling, and infection in the jaw, and is more commonly known as Dead Jaw.
Manufactured by the pharmaceutical conglomerate Merck, Fosomax is designed to fight bone loss and is used to prevent osteoporosis, a disease that increases the risk of serious and debilitating fractures. The drug is also used by to prevent Paget’s disease and is prescribed to an estimated 10 million Americans with sales topping $3 billion annually.
In the latest study, Fosomax is linked to jaw and throat cancer that could lead to sections of the jawbone needing to be surgically removed. The bone-thinning disease, osteonecrosis, is known for its habit of stealing bone mass and depleting bone strength while showing no signs of symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. The January study, however, wasn’t the first blemish for the widely prescribed drug.
In April of 2008, a study of 1,700 elderly women found that those taking Fosomax had significantly increased odds of developing an irregular heartbeat. The condition, known as atrial fibrillation, can result in a rapid and irregular heartbeat and lead to fatigue or possibly strokes. And since Fosomax’s debut in 1995, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have linked 23 cases of esophageal cancer to the use of osteoposis preventing drugs.
Although the Food and Drug Administration and renowned science publications have advised of the possible risks associated with Fosomax, physicians are worried that patients who benefit from taking the drug may be getting the wrong idea about its risks and argue that elderly women benefit from using the drug when they’ve suffered a fracture. The National Institutes of Health reports that osteoporosis currently affects nearly 10 million Americans, with an estimated 34 million more who may be at risk for developing the disease.
If you are currently taking the drug Fosomax consult with your doctor to learn about all of the possible causes, concerns, and effects associated with the drug. Any decision to discontinue the use of Fosomax should be made in consultation with your physician. And if you or a loved one has suffered any of the signs associated with osteonecrosis or Dead Jaw, call The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consolation.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Helping Maine People
