Fosamax Side Effects
In the United States, 37 million people use Fosamax. Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug used to treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that inflicts the bones. Those with the disease experience a thinning of the bones and loss of bone density. Fosamax is supposed to counter osteoporosis. Fosamax does so by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. This slows bone loss and increases bone mass. However, Fosamax does come at a price. More and more evidence of Fosamax side effects is coming to light, which is making many doctors question whether or not Fosamax is worth the risk.
In a study by The Journal of Orthopedic Trauma, they found that 36% of patients in the study with a femur fracture took Fosamax for four years or more. Nineteen (76%) of the 25 patients had a simple fracture with a straight line across the bone and a beak-like overhang on one side. The relationship between these fractures and Fosamax may be due to how it affects bone turnover. Fosamax lowers bone turnover, which may make bones more susceptible to a major fracture because of accumulated microfractures. This eventually caused some patients to suffer femur fractures even if they were basically doing nothing.
Fosamax is not only responsible for femur fractures. Other Fosamax side effects include inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, bone and joint pain, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract eventually erodes the esophagus, which can lead to a series of health issues; the worst of which being cancer. There is evidence that Fosamax doubles the risk of esophageal cancer. Moreover, osteonecrosis of the jaw is a particular painful condition that has been linked to Fosamax. Osteonecrosis of the jaw literally means dead jaw. Oral surgeons found that many who incurred the condition after an oral procedure were also taking Fosamax. The evidence is well-documented that Fosamax is not worth the risk. If you or someone you know has been affected by Fosamax, please contact an attorney and see if you’re eligible for financial compensation.