Fosamax
Side Effects

Osteonecrosis of the jaw causes severe infections, swelling and the loosening of teeth. Osteonecrosis patients often require long term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Many people are filing Fosamax lawsuits in order to claim compensation for their expenses, pain and suffering.

Fosamax is the brand name for the drug Alendronate. It belongs to a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women who are losing bone density. They have also been used for nearly 15 years to treat cancer patients. Other bisphosphonates include Actonel, Boniva, Bonefos, Didronel, Aredia, Skelid and Zometa.

A connection was discovered between bisphosphonates and a serious bone condition called Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This finding, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, showed the side effects of Fosamax may include ONJ. Victims of ONJ caused by Fosamax can file for compensation in a Fosamax lawsuit.

The FDA and drug manufacturer Novartis issued warnings to health professionals in September 2004 about the potential of ONJ due to the use of bisphosphonates in chemotherapy patients. Most are treated with a more concentrated form of the drug, usually intravenously. While no statement was made about milder forms of the class, like Fosamax, many researchers see the potential for similar side effects.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed can lead to fractures and infections often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patients using Fosamax is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.

Symptoms of "dead jaw" include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.

The highest risk factors for ONJ are:

• Taking bisphosphonates, especially in IV form
• Concurrent use of steroids
• Previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease
• Traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.