Fosamax, manufactured by Merck, has been linked to a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), osteomyelitis, or dead jaw. In addition, the drug has been linked to Fosamax-induced femur and hip fractures.
UPDATE: Merck Wins “Bellwether” Trial for Fosamax Femur Fracture
June 18, 2014 — Merck & Co. has won another “bellwether” trial alleging that Fosamax, a popular osteoporosis drug, causes atypical femur fractures, according to Law360. Merck is facing about 3,300 lawsuits involving femur fractures and another 1,200 lawsuits involving osteonecrosis of the jaw. Click here to read more.
What is the problem with Fosamax?
Fosamax is in a class called bisphosphonates along with Actonel, Aredia, Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast and Zometa to prevent and treat osteoporosis. These drugs are also used at an earlier age in over 36 million women due to the increased risks that come along with hormone replacement therapy. Because women use these drugs at an earlier age and for longer time spans, they are more prone to developing Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). Signs and symptoms of ONJ include pain, loosening of the teeth, swelling or infection of the gums, poor healing of gums, drainage and exposed gums. Since 2001, there have been over 2,400 reported cases of jaw bone decay and death or ONJ after the use of Fosamax. The pain from this bone disease is so debilitating that there have been over 120 patients who have become bedridden or who now rely on wheelchairs, walkers or crutches.
Side Effects of Fosamax
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
- Dead Jaw
- Osteomyelitis
- Pain
- Swelling or infection of the gums
- Loosening of the teeth
- Poor healing of the gums
- Numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw
- Drainage
- Exposed bone
- Hip Fractures
- Femur Fractures
Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit
Merck & Co. is facing over 900 lawsuits from people who were injured by Fosamax. These lawsuits are not consolidated into a class action — instead, they are individual legal claims that were filed by people who hired their own attorney. The Fosamax Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 1789) is located in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In March 2014, a judge threw out lawsuits involving generic versions of Fosamax.