Fosamax
Fosamax is the brand name for alendronate, a popular bisphosphonate drug that is manufactured and developed by Merck & Co. Used for the purpose of maintaining / improving the volume of minerals and calcium within bone (bone density), Fosamax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 for the treatment of a number of bone conditions, notably osteoporosis and osteitis deformans (Paget's disease).
Fosamax is the second most popular drug that is manufactured by Merck & Co., posting 2005 revenues exceeding $3 Billion; however, the bisphosphonate drug has recently come under fire because of certain side effects caused as a result of using drug.
How is Fosamax Administered?
Fosamax can be administered on a daily or weekly basis in one of two forms: Fosamax tablets or Fosamax oral solution.
Fosamax tablets are prescribed in a variety of dosage levels, dependent on whether or not it is designed to serve as a daily treatment or weekly treatment. Fosamax tablets are administered with a six- to eight-ounce glass of water first thing in the morning.
The Fosamax oral solution is a once weekly treatment that is taken with a two ounce glass of water first thing in the morning.
Fosamax users are warned against lying down, eating, drinking or taking any other medications for at least 30 minutes following use of the bisphosphonate drug, regardless of whether it is in the tablet or oral solution form.
Fosamax and Osteoporosis
Fosamax is most commonly used as a drug treatment for people suffering from osteoporosis, a type of bone disease that causes a reduction in bone density. As a result of this reduction, osteoporosis sufferers are more susceptible to a number of bone injuries such as fracture or dislocation.
Fosamax serves as a treatment for osteoporosis by inhibiting the activity of certain cells (osteoclasts) that have been found to be responsible for causing a reduction in bone density. Fosamax also serves to help foster an increase in overall bone mass. The effects of Fosamax use typically take shape in as little as three months after beginning treatments with Merck's bisphosphonate drug.
Fosamax Side Effects
There are a number of Fosamax side effects that are associated with use of the bisphosphonate drug. Fosamax users often suffer through a number of somewhat common side effects that can include:
- Generalized pain of the muscles, joints and/or bones
- Skin rash (rare potential of resulting in Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TEN)
- Nausea
- Eye problems
- Abdominal cramping
- Obstipation (severe constipation)
- Ulceration of the esophagus
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
Fosamax Side Effects - Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
The most serious of the Fosamax side effects is the development of a bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or "dead jaw." ONJ is a type of osteonecrosis that affects the maxillofacial region of the body, specifically the jawbone. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a degenerative bone disease that can cause excruciating pain and facial deformities. It is caused as a result of jawbone tissue dying because of an inadequate blood supply. The symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw are somewhat similar to those suffered by arthritics:
- Localized pain of the jaw
- Numbness of the jaw; altered sensation
- Loosening of teeth.
- Soft tissue / gum infections
- Exposure of bone within the oral cavity
Fosamax Lawsuits
A number of Fosamax lawsuits have been filed against Merck & Co. for injuries caused as a result of using the bisphosphonate drug. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is an irreversible bone disease that can significantly affect a sufferer's way of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using Fosamax, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact a personal injury lawyer to get more information about Fosamax victims' rights.