Patient Reports about Fosamax Medication
Things are not looking good for Merck & Co., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. In the papers today, Merck & Co.is suspected of illegal marketing practices with regard to some of its drugs. However, what really puts the company in a bad position is the several complaints from users about the adverse reactions caused by Fosamax, one of its biggest selling drugs.
In any given, Fosamax could be written in over 20 million prescriptions. This medication, which others come to know by its generic name alendronate, has been the first line of treatment for certain bone problems like osteoporosis and osteitis deformans – Paget’s disease. It makes your bones strong by altering the cycle of bone remodeling particularly and prevent bone resorption.
However, there are mounting reports about the adverse effects that could result from the long term use of the drug. Among the most common complaints were osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ) and an atypical fracture of the thigh bone. What is more, Merck & Co.seemingly was not able to properly notify its users about the related danger hence the basis of some clients for filing a lawsuit.
One of the earliest Fosamax-related cases of ONJ that was reported dated way back in 2003. ONJ, which is also known to many as Bis-Phossy Jaw, is a disease characterized by the death of jawbone tissues resulting from poor nutrition. ONJ may present symptoms like pain upon chewing a gum and it usually detected during a dental check.
On the other hand, a specific type of fracture has also been associated to the prolonged use of the drug. There were large studies conducted where it was found that a few women taking biphosphonates, a drug classification which includes Fosamax, have had low-impact thigh bone fracture. Nonetheless, this complication is said to be rare and the benefit of the drug still prevails.
So that the risks of these complications are reduced, some health care providers have decided to order Fosamax on a shorter duration. In most cases, they will tell their patients to temporarily hold Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs after 3 years of drug therapy. Although the adverse and Fosamax side effects are seriously harmful, the benefits of the drug often justifies the risks involved. Consult your doctor to know if the drug best suits your health condition.
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