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Fosamax: Anatomy of A Questionable Drug

Posted On : Oct-15-2011 | seen (370) times | Article Word Count : 740 |

This article describes about Fosamax the popular osteoporosis drug commonly used to treat a number of bone diseases, including osteoporosis and Paget's disease .It is also linked to serious bone disease known as Osteonecrosis of the jaw. Apart from adverse side effects of GI tract abnormalities faced by Fosamax users Skin rash , Eye problems , Generalized pain of the muscles, joints and/or bones are the frequent reactions of this drug .

Fosamax, also known as alendronate sodium and alendronic acid, is a drug manufactured by Merck to be used in the treatment of osteoporosis, along with several other types of bone disease. It is a bisphosphonate that Merck held the patent on until 2008, when the company lost the many appeals filed in an effort to block others from creating an FDA approved generic version of Fosamax.

Fosamax is mainly used in the treatment of osteoporosis in females; however, it can also be used to treat osteoporosis in males. It has also been used in conjunction with vitamin D and calcium for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis that is corticosteroid-related. In addition, it has also proven to be somewhat effective in the treatment of Paget’s disease.

Clinical data has shown that the bone turnover rate has been normalized with the use of Fosamax in post-menopausal women, resulting in increased bone density in the hip, spine, wrist and overall body. Data shows that Fosamax has actually decreased the fracture risk in women who were in the highest risk bracket by 50% on average.

Fosamax has been contraindicated in several instances, such as in clinical manifestations of osteomalacia, hypocalcemia, those with an alendronate hypersensitivity issue, women that are breastfeeding or pregnant and patients that are unable to walk, sit or stand after 30 minutes following oral administration. In addition, patients with esophagitis, gastric ulserations or gastritis, renal impairment, strictures or achalasia and any patients under age 18 are cautioned against the use of this medication.

Side Effects of Fosamax
Fosamax has several side effects associated with its use. The most common of these side effects are:

Back pain
Bloating
Changes in taste
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Full feeling
Flu-like symptoms
Gas
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Nausea
Vomiting

The more serious side effects of Fosamax is what physicians and patients alike should be most concerned with. The more severe of Fosamax’s side effects include:

- Black, bloody or tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or bloody vomit
- Allergic reactions – difficulty breathing, hives, itching, rash, swelling in the face, lips, mouth, throat and tongue
- Constant heartburn
- Blistered, red, peeling or swollen skin
- Bone, joint or muscle pain
- Constant stomach pain or sore throat
- Swelling in the joints, hands, legs or jaw
- Spasms, muscle cramps, twitches, tingling or numbness around the mouth or in fingers and toes
- Esophageal, gastric or duodenal ulceration.
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
- Low-impact femoral fractures


If patients consume milk, supplements or other drugs that contain large amounts of calcium, aluminum or magnesium, Fosamax resorption is decreased. HRT has not been proven to cause any drug-drug interactions, nor have any been noted with fluorides or D analogues, although concomitant treatment should be avoided. In addition, NSAIDs combined with Fosamax may actually elevate the risk for gastric ulcers.

If you have experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Fosamax, a lawyer with experience in the ongoing Fosamax litigation can help evaluate your claim at no charge.

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The Fosamax attorneys at JD Law Group are qualified to review your claim related to Fosamax-litigation. You can contact them directly via 1-888-736-4248 or by filling out the contact form at the bottom of the website page.

Keywords : Fosamax, alendronate sodium, alendronic acid, personal injury law, stroke, heart attack, health, disease, neuropathy,

Category : Reference and Education : Legal

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