If you were not warned about the dangers of Fosamax® and have suffered from side effects like osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw," contact Phillips and Associates for a free case evaluation.

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Dangers of Fosamax®: Serious Side Effects Include Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or "Dead Jaw"

For years, patients who were prescribed Fosamax® to help treat osteoporosis were warned of only a portion of the drug’s side effects. They were not warned of the life altering dangers of Fosamax®, including ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Also referred to as "dead jaw" syndrome, osteonecrosis of the jaw is a painful condition that can greatly affect the quality of life for patients.

Researchers believe that Fosamax® can potentially remain in your body for six to 12 years after you stop taking the bone pain drug. So even if you discontinue use of Fosamax®, the serious side effects may still affect you years later.

Fosamax® and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or "Dead Jaw" Syndrome

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare disorder that causes decay of the jawbone. The term "dead jaw" syndrome comes from the fact that the bone appears to die or break down. ONJ can cause extreme pain and disfigurement.

Since osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare disease, it is not fully understood. Because of this, Merck and Company, Inc. (Merck) seems to dismiss the link between Fosamax® and ONJ. FDA acknowledged Fosamax® studies have shown, however, that there seems to be an increase in cases of "dead jaw" syndrome. A high percentage of these cases involve patients who were taking some form of bisphosphonates. Although the highest percentage was comprised of people using bisphosphonates in IV forms, there were also Fosamax® users who contracted ONJ.

ONJ Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw may include:

Although these dangers of Fosamax® have been downplayed by the manufacturer, in some cases, patients who suffer from "dead jaw" syndrome are so badly affected by the disease that they need to have a portion of their jaw removed. This phenomenon does not only affect users of IV bisphosphonates. There has been at least one reported case of a Fosamax® user with ONJ that needed to have part of her jawbone removed.

There are ways to avoid these dangers of Fosamax®. Because the onset of "dead jaw" syndrome seems to follow oral surgery (including something as minimally invasive as tooth extraction), patients taking Fosamax® can decrease the chance of ONJ with proper dental care. Fosamax® patients should alert their dentist and oral surgeon if they are taking the drug or even if they have previously used the bisphosphonate.

Other Side Effects and Dangers of Fosamax®

Merck has been more forthcoming highlighting some of the dangers of Fosamax® other than ONJ. Even though these Fosamax® side effects are more readily acknowledged, they can still be as life altering as osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In addition to "dead jaw" syndrome, serious Fosamax® side effects include:

Other Fosamax® side effects may include a changed sense of taste, mouth ulcers or sores, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, and stomach gas.

If you were not warned of the dangers of Fosamax® and were then affected by its side effects, including "dead jaw" syndrome, ulceration of the esophagus, or severe bone pain, you need legal representation. The attorneys at Phillips and Associates are aware of the facts concerning Fosamax® and ONJ litigation. Contact our pharmaceutical litigation specialists for a free evaluation of your osteonecrosis of the jaw case.

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