California Injury Lawyers Blog

According to Canadian researchers, bisphosphonates, of which Fosamax is one, may up the risk of the eye conditions scleritis and uveitis. These findings can be found in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Over 900,000 British Columbia residents who went to see eye doctors between 2000 and 2007 were evaluated for this study. Patients taking prescription bisphosphonates and those not on these medications were compared. Per the study, for every 1,100 patients who had just started taking an osteoporosis medication, there was one more case of uveitis compared to the people who were taking this type of drug. For every 370 bisphosphonate users, again compared to the general population, there was one additional report of scleritis.

Scleritis causes eye irritation and swelling. Uveitis creates inner eye inflammation. Although steroid eye drops can usually treat both conditions, in some cases, permanent eye damage may result.

Fosamax already has been linked to serious bone conditions, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical stress fractures, thigh fractures, and severely suppressed bone turnover. Numerous Fosamax lawsuits against drug maker Merck has since followed. Other researchers have found a connection between bisphosphonates and eye injuries in the past. These latest findings appear to confirm this.

"Our Anaheim Fosamax injury lawyers represent women who have suffered serious injuries because they were prescribed the drug," said Orange County, California Dangerous Drug Attorney Vincent Howard.

For many people as they grow older, bone brittleness and deterioration are already serious issues of concern. Osteoporosis, which involves the loss and thinning of bone tissue and density is a bone disease that affects one out of every five women in the 50 or older age group. This makes it easier for them to break a bone or fracture a hip.

Bone pain, height loss, neck pain, lower back pain, and poor posture are some of the signs of osteoporosis. Fosamax is prescribed to treat this condition and one reason why it is even more astounding to see how taking this medication or or alendronate, its generic version, appears to have the opposite effect intended, meaning that in some cases, a woman's bones become weaker rather than stronger.

"It is unacceptable for any prescription drug or over-the-counter medication to cause a patient to suffer debilitating health issues, other serious injuries, or death," said Anaheim Products Liability Lawyer Vincent Howard. "Negligent drug manufacturer should be held liable."

Also, if taking bisphosphonates helps more than hurts then this raises serious issues as to why a drug that weakens the bones is being marketed and prescribed as a medication.

Studies link drugs to eye ailments, The Globe and Mail, April 5, 2012

Canadian Medical Association Journal

Fosamax Type Osteoporosis Drugs Noted to Cause Serious Eye Problems, Mercola, April 9, 2003

More Blog Posts:
Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel is Worried about the Number of Injuries Linked to Fosamax, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 16, 2011

FDA Advisory Panel to Review Risks Associated with Taking Fosamax, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 8, 2011

Does Fosamax Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer?, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 31, 2011

Continue reading "Orange County, California Dangerous Drug: Fosamax Again Linked to Eye Conditions " »

A US Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has said that there isn't enough information available for it to recommend limits for how long a patient should take a bisphosphonate drug to treat osteoporosis. The panel, however, did say that it was concerned about the number of women claiming to have developed thigh fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw after taking Fosamax and similar medications over several years. Numerous Fosamax fracture lawsuits have even been filed. During its meeting on Friday, the panel voted in favor of adding more information on labels about the medications' effectiveness and safety when taken long-term--over three to five years.

Some four to five million people have prescriptions for a bisphosphonate drug filled each year. Actonel, Aclasta, Bonevia, Altevia, and Reclast are other biphosphonates. The Risk Management Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety make up the FDA's advisory panel.

Fosamax, from Merck & Co, was approved in 1995 as the first approved bisphosphonate. At that time it was believed that Fosamax could be used indefinitely. Now, however, some researchers are wondering whether the benefits of taking the drug--the medication slows the bone breakdown that can come with aging--outweigh the possibility that it may also cause the bones to become so brittle that jaw death and/or thigh fractures can occur.

According to The Wall Street Journal, one California woman who testified before the FDA advisory panel said that her fracture occurred last May while she was throwing an item in the trash. She experienced a snap and then severe pain. Prior to her injury, Lanter, 68, would bike 25 miles each week and hike three miles a day. She had been taking Fosamax to treat her osteoporosis for nine years. There were other women that also testified before the FDA advisory panel about their fractures. X-rays of the injuries demonstrated the type of bone breaks that are usually associated with those sustained in car accidents.

The FDA is now reconsidering whether it will keep approving bisphosphonates for preventing osteoporosis. It, too, is looking at whether the suspected injury risks are worth the health benefits. It was just last year that, because of these concerns, the FDA recommended that doctors periodically reassess whether a patient should keep taking bisphosphonates.

Recently, questions have also been raised over whether Fosamax causes Esophageal ulcers and inflammation, which can lead to cancer.

Fosamax Lawsuits
Our Anaheim Fosamax fracture lawyers represent clients that have suffered thigh fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, severely suppressed bone turnover, and other serious side effects while taking this drug. We are experienced in holding drug manufacturers liable for Orange County, California personal injury.

FDA panel unclear on osteoporosis drug labels, CBS News, September 12, 2011

FDA Panel: Won't Make Treatment Recommendation For Osteoporosis Drugs, Wall Street Journal, September 9, 2011

More Blog Posts:
FDA Advisory Panel to Review Risks Associated with Taking Fosamax, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 8, 2011

Does Fosamax Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer?, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 31, 2011

Federal Fosamax Lawsuits Over Femur Fractures to be Coordinated Under Multidistrict Litigation, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 29, 2011

This week, a panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration are getting together to examine the risks linked to long-term use of bisphosphonate drugs. Our Orange County, California Fosamax lawyers will be watching these developments closely.

Fosamax, which is a popular osteoporosis drug, is made by Merck. In recent years, however, there has been growing concern that using this medication can lead to actual bone problems, including femur fractures and jawbone deterioration.

In the background document released this week by the FDA in advance of the advisory panel meeting, it was revealed that some officials are recommending that women use Fosamax for no more than five years--especially considering that most benefits from the medication occur within the first three years. "Drug holidays," which involves taking breaks from a medication, will also be considered. The also document notes that although there is currently no concrete evidence that bisphosphonates cause jaw injuries and femur fractures, such outcomes could not be ruled out especially because they are so had to study.

The FDA advisory panel is expected to make recommendations on regulatory actions to protect consumers. Boniva, Atelvia, and Actonel are among the other bisphosphonates that the FDA advisory panel will evaluate.

More than 1600 Fosamax fracture lawsuits have been filed by against Merck consumers complaining of serious bone injuries after taking the medication. In Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Orange County, California, our Anaheim dangerous drug lawyers would like to offer you a free consultation to determine whether you have a case.

Among those suing Merck for products liability is Linda Secrest, who now has osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This is another bellwether case involving Fosamax. A bellwether trial is one that is expected to gage future trends related to a specific type of litigation. Numerous plaintiffs that have filed complaints on the grounds of the same claim/theory are usually a factor.

Although a District Judge recently ruled that Secrest can move ahead with her design defect claim against the drug maker, she will not be able to bring forward her claim that Merck did not warn about possible complications. She is also not going to be allowed to pursue punitive damages.

Between 2005 and 2009, about 5.1 to 5.7 million people were given prescriptions for Fosamax in the US. The majority of patients where in the over 55 age range.

Kenan used Fosamax between 1998 and 2005. In addition to ONJ, she claims that taking the drug caused her to suffer injuries to her oral cavity and jaw.

It is important that you worth with an Anaheim products liability law firm that is not afraid (and knows how to) pursue compensation from a drug manufacturer. Our Orange County, California dangerous drug lawyers know how upsetting it can be to discover that your health occurred because of the medication that your doctor prescribed.

F.D.A. Staff: 5 Years May Be Enough for Bone Drugs, The New York Times, September 9, 2011

Read the FDA's Background Document for the Advisory Committee, FDA.gov

FDA to Review Safety of Osteoporosis Drugs as Lawsuit Begins in Bellwether Trial, ABA Journal, September 6, 2011

Judge narrows benchmark Fosamax case vs. Merck, Reuters, August 31, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Fosamax, Web MD

Merck

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

More Blog Posts:
Does Fosamax Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer?, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 31, 2011

Federal Fosamax Lawsuits Over Femur Fractures to be Coordinated Under Multidistrict Litigation, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 29, 2011

Fosamax: FDA to Form Advisory Committee to Explore Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment of Osteoporosis, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 24, 2011

Continue reading "FDA Advisory Panel to Review Risks Associated with Taking Fosamax" »

Federal regulators are trying to determine whether Fosamax and other bisphosphonates drugs may up the risk of esophageal cancer. The Food and Drug Administration says a review has been launched into this matter. If you believe that you or someone you love is suffering serious health issues and that this may be a result of taking a bisphosphonate drug, contact our Los Angeles Fosamax drug law firm today.

Right now, there is conflicting information about whether this may be the case. One study, from the U.K. General Practice Research Database, said that taking oral bisphosphonates for over 3 years (or for more than 10 prescriptions) doubled the risk of esophageal cancer. Meantime, other studies show that these drugs do not increase the risk of cancer and may even decrease it.

Oral bisphosphonates have, however, been known to cause esophageal ulcers and inflammation--especially when used incorrectly. These side effects can be possible precursors for cancer.

Esophageal Cancer
This cancer affects the esophagus, which is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is typically not curable. Treatment--if the cancer hasn't spread elsewhere--can improve chances of survival. If the cancer has spread, then treatment can help relieve symptoms, which may include backwards movement of food through the esophagus, chest pain, problems swallowing, vomiting of blood, heartburn, and severe weight loss.

Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Atelvia, Skelid, and Didronel are among the medications that the FDA is looking at to see whether there is a link to esophageal cancer. These medications are taken to treat osteoporosis.

Fosamax Lawsuits
Fosamax is already linked to serious jaw problems and femur fractures. These health complications have resulted in hundreds of dangerous drug lawsuits against pharmaceutical company Merck alleging products liability.

Our Anaheim dangerous drug lawyers represent patients who have suffered serious health complications or injuries from taking medications that were not safe for them to use or whose manufacturers failed to warn about the risks.

FDA Studying Link Between Bisphosphonates, Esophageal Cancer, Medscape, July 21, 2011

FDA Reviewing Osteoporosis Drugs for Esophageal Cancer Risk, Bloomberg, July 21, 2011

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms, Mayo Clinic

Related Web Resources:
FDA

Bisphosphonates

More Blog Posts:
Federal Fosamax Lawsuits Over Femur Fractures to be Coordinated Under Multidistrict Litigation, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 29, 2011

Fosamax: FDA to Form Advisory Committee to Explore Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment of Osteoporosis, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 24, 2011

Fosamax Lawsuit: Retired Teacher Sues Merck After She Breaks Her Thigh Bone, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 30, 2011

Our Anaheim Fosamax fracture lawyers represent clients who have suffered serious side effects from taking this and other drugs. Already, hundreds of people throughout the use have filed their dangerous drug lawsuits against pharmaceutical company Merck because they believe Fosamax made them more susceptible to femur fractures and other serious injuries. If you or someone who has been taking this drug for sometime and you fractured your femur, contact our Orange County, California products liability law firm and ask for your free case evaluation.

In recent Fosamax news, several lawyers have been assigned to leadership positions in the multidistrict litigation for Fosamax lawsuits. The appointments were made by U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr., who is overseeing all federal Fosamax lawsuits over femur fractures. The attorneys are tasked with executing certain actions during the pretrial litigation that will benefit all plaintiffs. Their responsibilities include receiving and distributing motions, orders, and pleadings and keeping up a complete document depository.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all Fosamax lawsuits over fractured bones to Brown. The complaints are similar in that they allege that using Fosamax can up the risk of a person developing atypical femur fractures. The plaintiffs are accusing Merck of failing to adequately warn consumers of the risks and not properly researching the drug.

Some 60 federal lawsuits over Fosamax and femur fractures have been sent to MDL. There are also numerous dangerous drug lawsuits against Merck over Fosamax that are making their way through the state courts.

A fracture femur involves breakage of the femur (thigh bone), which is the body's longest bone. Signs you may be suffering from a fractured femur:
• Leg deformity
• Severe pain
• Not being able to move your leg
• Tissue swelling
• Bone fragments protruding from the skin

U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation

Fosamax

Femur Fractures, AAOS

Merck

More Blog Posts:
Fosamax: FDA to Form Advisory Committee to Explore Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment of Osteoporosis, California Injury Lawyers, July 24, 2011

Fosamax Lawsuit: Retired Teacher Sues Merck After She Breaks Her Thigh Bone, California Injury Lawyers, June 30, 2011

Fosamax Drug Linked to Dead Jaw, California Injury Lawyers, June 15, 2011

Continue reading "Federal Fosamax Lawsuits Over Femur Fractures to be Coordinated Under Multidistrict Litigation" »

In the wake of the growing number of dangerous drug lawsuits claiming that use of Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs is linked to jawbone death and atypical femur fractures in osteoporosis patients, the Food and Drug Administration has announced that it will set up an advisory committee to explore the benefits and risks of using this medications. Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co, which has been the named the defendant of approximately 1,000 products liability lawsuits over the drug. Other bisphosphonates that will be part of the discussion include Reclast, Boniva, Atelvia, and Actonel, Fosamax Plus D, Actonel with Calcium, and Reclast.

Since the FDA approved Fosamax in 1995, more than 20 million people have taken the medication. Fosamax is the brand name for alendronate, which is a kind of bisphosphonate drug. It is used to treat osteoporosis in both men and women, including postmenopausal females and men and women whose osteoporosis was steroid induced. It is also commonly used to treat Paget's disease.

In addition to the Fosamax lawsuits and other complaints, numerous studies have reported that severely suppressed bone turnover may be linked with taking Fosamax for an extended period of time. If you or someone you love has suffered the complications and conditions after taking Fosamax or another bisphosphonate, you should speak with our Orange County, Ca. Fosamax lawyers right away so we can help you determine whether or not you have a California dangerous drug claim.

If you'd like more information about the FDA's committee and their findings, you should contact the FDA. The Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee meeting will take place in Adelphi, Maryland at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center on September 9, 2011.

September 9, 2011: Joint Meeting of the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement, FDA, September 9, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Fosamax, NIH

Food and Drug Administration

Merck

More Blog Posts:
Fosamax Lawsuit: Retired Teacher Sues Merck After She Breaks Her Thigh Bone, California Injury Lawyers, June 30, 2011

Fosamax Drug Linked to Dead Jaw, California Injury Lawyers, June 15, 2011

Does Fosamax Up the Risk of Femur Fractures? New England Journal of Medicine Says Yes, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 9, 2011

A 62-year-old retired teacher is suing Merck & Co. for her injuries she says she sustained because she took Fosamax for eight years. Lois Takamori broke her thigh bone in 2009 while talking to friends at a gym.

In her Fosamax lawsuit, Takamori says that she started taking the drug in 2001 after she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. The drug is commonly prescribed to prevent bone deterioration, especially in women. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that use of Fosamax, or other bisphosphonates, for more than a few years can lead to spontaneous fractures. For example, Takamori, who is from Hawaii, says that all she did was take "onestep backward" when she experienced "excruciating pain."

In an ABCNews.com article published in 2010, Dr. Kenneth Egol said that X-rays of some patients' spontaneous fractures showed the injury to be more severe that what one from a small fall should have been. Takamori says that following the injury accident, she had to undergo multiple surgeries to fix the fracture, which hasn't fully healed. Not only does she continue to feel discomfort, but also she can only walk with the help of a cane.

California Fosamax Lawsuits:
If you or someone you love suffered a bone fracture or another type of injury that you believe occurred from taking Fosamax, it is important that you explore your legal options with an experienced Anaheim dangerous drug lawyer immediately. StarAdvertiser.com reports that there are 40 other Fosamax cases similar to Takamori's dangerous drug lawsuits that are still pending. Also, the media outlet reports that as of March 31, there were some 1,450 Fosamax cases filed against Merck for other bone injuries.

Drug manufacturers can be tough when it comes to fighting them for liability. You need to make sure that you have someone on your side that knows how to prove negligence and can make sure that you obtain your compensation from the negligent party.

Isle woman sues drugmaker after breaking thigh bone, StarAdvertiser, June 30, 2011

Osteoporosis Drugs, Like Fosamax May Increase Risk of Broken Bones in Some Women, ABC News, March 8, 2010

More Blog Posts:
Fosamax Drug Linked to Dead Jaw, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 15, 2011

Does Fosamax Up the Risk of Femur Fractures? New England Journal of Medicine Says Yes, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 9, 2011

FDA Turns Down Merck's Bid To Get Gardasil Approved as an HPV Vaccine for Women 27 and Older, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 13, 2011

Our Anaheim products liability lawyers represent victims injured because they took medications that caused them serious injury, health complications, or death. Fosamax, which is an oral bisphosphonate used by osteoporosis patients, is one of a number of drugs linked to serious conditions, including Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (also known as Dead Jaw Syndrome).

ONJ can cause the jaw to feel numb and heavy and may lead to dental complications, swelling up the gums, loosening of the teeth, tooth pain, jaw abscesses, infection, and the death of portions of the jaw. Women are reportedly at higher risk of suffering from ONJ because they are more likely than men to sustain bone-related conditions that require that they take a bisphosphonate. Fosamax is also administered to patients suffering from Paget's disease, as well as some kinds of cancer that can spread to the bone and.

It is unacceptable for a drug manufacturer to sell any drug that is so dangerous that it can cause serious injuries or illness. If there are any side effects, it is the drug maker's responsibility to warn about them so that patients and doctors are aware of the risks involved.

Our Orange County, California Fosamax injury lawyers know how to prove liability. We are not afraid to go up against large drug manufacturers so that our clients can recoup their compensation for products liability, personal injury, or wrongful death. Merck & Company manufactures Fosamax.

Other Possible Fosamax Side Effects:
• Nausea
• Gastro Intestinal Abnormalities
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Esophagus ulceration
• Obstipation
• Eye problems
• Muscle pain
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Skin rash
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• TEN

Unfortunately, there are drugs that have been approved by the FDA that end up later proving dangerous.

Fosamax, NIH

Bisphosphonates

More Blog Posts:
Does Fosamax Up the Risk of Femur Fractures? New England Journal of Medicine Says Yes, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 9, 2011

FDA Turns Down Merck's Bid To Get Gardasil Approved as an HPV Vaccine for Women 27 and Older, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 13, 2011

$2M Accutane Lawsuit Awarded to Woman Who Developed Ulcerative Colitis, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 3, 2011

Continue reading "Fosamax Drug Linked to Dead Jaw" »

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, there may be a link between bisphosphonates and severe bone breaks. Bisphosphonates are osteoporosis drugs and Fosamax is one of them. If you suffered a femur fracture or another type of bone injury and you are or have been a Fosamax user, our Anaheim products liability lawyers want to talk to you.

The researchers say that because bisphosphonates can reduce bone remodeling, this could cause the skeleton to "freeze." If this happens, microcracks may accumulate and develop into stress fractures, including severe bone breaks to the thighbone, which is also known as the femur.

Signs you may be suffering from a femoral facture:

• Severe pain
• Deformity
• Swelling
• Not being able to move the leg

Fractures to the thighbone can be a very serious injury and normally require a lot of force before occurring. However, bisphosphonates have been linked to atypical femur fractures, which don't require a lot of force to happen.

Fosamax-linked femur fractures can occur when someone is sitting, standing, or walking. The NEJM says that within the first two years of taking bisphosphonate, the risk of an atypical fracture went up by 10 times in women users age 55 and over who were users. After that risk of an atypical fracture became 50 times greater than normal. Most atypical fractures linked to bisphosphonate use occurred within a year after the patient's last prescription. That said, for each year since the last time the patient took the drug, the risk factor went down 70%.

Fosamax is made by Merck & Company. Other bisphosonate-class osteoporosis drugs include Boniva, Reclast, Zometa, Skelid, Didronel, and Actonel.

The New England Journal of Medicine

Fosamax, National Institute of Health

Femur Fracture, Medscape

More Blog Posts:
FDA Turns Down Merck's Bid To Get Gardasil Approved as an HPV Vaccine for Women 27 and Older, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 13, 2011

US Supreme Court Takes on Dangerous Drug Lawsuits Over Warnings on Generic Labels, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 14, 2010

Darvon and Darvocet Recalled After Study Links Active Ingredient to Serious Heart Rhythm Abnormalities, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 24, 2010

Continue reading "Does Fosamax Up the Risk of Femur Fractures? New England Journal of Medicine Says Yes" »