Fosamax Lawyers

Representing Victims of Fosamax

Fosamax (generic: alendronate sodium), manufactured by Merck, may be linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone (ONJ). ONJ is a rotting of the jaw bone that causes the jaw to die. ONJ patients often must undergo surgical removal of large parts of the jaw. Oral surgeons often diagnose ONJ after a tooth is pulled and the jaw fails to heal normally by remolding itself and filling in the gap left by the extraction. Fosamax inhibits the cells that remove the dead bone to allow other cells to rebuild. Fosamax is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are prescribed to treat osteoporosis, Paget's disease and advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bones.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are used to treat osteoporosis and, at large doses administered intravenously, to lower blood calcium in cancer patients to prevent cancer from entering the bones. Fosamax, Actonel, Zometa and Aredia are all bisphosphonates. Zometa and Aredia are intravenous bisphosphonates that are administered in very high doses in treating bone cancers. While it seems that the majority of ONJ victims have been cancer patients using the IV bisphosphonates, it is estimated that 10% of ONJ cases are due to Fosamax, the oral drug taken by osteoporosis patients. Novartis, the maker of the IV bisphosphonates Zometa and Aredia, has added a precaution about ONJ to their package inserts. Many claim that Merck has failed to adequately warn patients taking Fosamax about the risk of ONJ.

Morelli Ratner, P.C. Representing Fosamax ONJ Victims

Our lawyers are investigating cases where Fosamax users developed Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone. Most ONJ victims had no idea that this devastating and painful condition could result from taking Fosamax. Morelli Ratner, P.C. can help you and your family file a legal claim for your injuries. Contact us today for a free evaluation about your potential case.