Fosamax has never been out of the spotlight. This is the reason why people continue to look for other alternatives, especially now that Fosamax lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey Superior Court.A member of the biphosphonate family of drugs, Fosamax augments bone mineral density by stimulating bone formation and restraining bone resorption or breakdown at the same time and it is classified as a biphosphonate.
These drugs are used in many different condition such as osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (Paget’s Disease), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism and osteogenesis imperfect. But these drugs were found out to cause very bad effects like like osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ) and atypical thigh bone fractures.
Osteonecrosis of the jawbone (ONJ). This condition is considered to be a severe dental condition in which exposure of a fraction of the jawbone tissue occurs. Sooner or later, the bone tissue will die due to the loss of blood supply. There is a big problem for this condition as no diagnostic examinations can detect ONJ. It can only be diagnosed when exposure of the jawbone happens, which can last for more than eight weeks. In most cases, the patient would feel pain or discomfort, resulting from an infection, swelling of soft tissue, drainage and exposure of the bone.
In order to reduce the risks of ONJ, the patient should observe good oral hygiene and regular dental care. When Fosamax and other biphosphinates are being used in medication, dentists should be informed. On the other hand, patients who have not started their bisphosphonate therapy may be asked to wait until any immediate dental procedure is finished, even if the procedure is just minor.
Atypical fracture of the femur. On October 13, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration advised the public on additional two atypical femur fractures on the label warnings of bisphosphonates, which include Fosamax. The prolonged use of this drug can actually lead to the development of such fractures as researches suggest. But the FDA believes that the drug’s benefits can still outweighs its risks.
There is a FDA reminder about the use of this drug: when dull, aching pain in the thigh or groin occurs, the therapy must be discontinued immediately for a little while. Additionally, some health care providers prescribe Fosamax for a period not exceeding four years. After all, the goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of the occurrence of fractures and certainly dealing with Fosamax femur fracture will not make it right.
