The brand name version of Alendronate, Fosamax and Aredia are a class of medications called bisphonates, used for treating osteoporosis and pain in the skeletal organ causes by a variety of disease, such as breast cancer. Meant to strengthen bones by aiding the removal of decrepit bones as new cells regenerate, the medications have been shown to improve bone density.
Dangers of Fosamax (Alendronate) Complications
While the use of Fosamax and Aredia carries some uncomfortable and serious side effects, research has recently revealed links between the bisphonates and a serious bone/dental disease: Oseonecrosis of the Jaw or Dead Jaw (ONJ). Due to the seriousness of resulting conditions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the drug's manufacturer, Merk , issued a warning to consumers.
What is Oseonecrosis?
The resulting condition that sometimes accompanies the use of Fosamax prevents the jaw from healing after any trauma to the region is endured. Some Fosamax and Aredia users have experienced diseased bone associated with jaw trauma that requires surgery in order to remove decaying bone tissue. Tooth extraction, a variety of other dental work and injuries to the jaw are just some of the trauma, that when experienced while using the drug Fosamax, can result in the diseased bone disorder. Symptoms of the disorder can include:
- Jaw pain
- Swelling
-
Numbness of the jaw
Fosamax Femur Fractures
In addition to Oseonecrosis, Fosamax and Aredia use are also being connected with low energy femur fractures, breaks occuring from standing height or less. Femur fractures occuring in relation to the use of these bisphonates have been tied to women and men enduring long term treatment using the drug, an average of 7 years.
Iregular Heartbeat Associated with Fosamax Use
Although the FDA has not issued a warning or acknowledged connection between irregular heart beat and a Fosamax regimine, the drug has been implicated in cases associated with the additional side effect.
A Bisphosphonates Warning
Novartis, a manufacturer of bisphosphonates used in chemotherapy issued this warning letter regarding the osteonecrosis in the jaw accompanying use of the drug:
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including bisphosphonates. Many of these patients were also receiving chemotherapy and corticosteroids. The majority of reported cases have been associated with dental procedures such as tooth extraction. Many had signs of local infection including osteomyelitis. A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant risk factors (e.g. cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, poor oral hygiene). While on treatment, these patients should avoid invasive dental procedures if possible. For patients who develop ONJ while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment.
John A. Hohneker, MD
VP, Novartis Oncology Medical Affairs & Services
Fosamax Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you know has endured injury as a result of the medication Fosamax or Aredia, call the product liability lawyers in Austin, San Antonio, Killeen and statewide Texas at 888-335-7492, contact The Carlson Law Firm online or visit one of our 11 law firms in Texas.
