Fosamax Alternative Could Have Less Side Effects

Fosamax Alternative Could Have Less Side Effects

By Andrea Gressman

Fosamax comes with a long list of very troubling side effects. Yet, it has been widely prescribed as a treatment option for those with osteoporosis. Some of the side effects that have left the victims with devastating side effects include atypical thigh bone breaks and jaw decay – both painful and life altering.  

Because of these severe side effects and the medical community’s growing concern, there has been a great deal of interest in finding a viable alternative for the treatment of osteoporosis. One has recently surfaced and many say that it is showing a sign of being a viable option and that is Forteo, also known as teriparatide, which is manufactured by Eli Lilly.

For many who are struggling with osteoporosis and have been concerned about the severe side effects associated with Fosamax, this could be some refreshing news as Forteo reportedly does not have the same severe side effects that Fosamax has. However, the FDA has only approved the drug to be used for a two-year period of time because the FDA does have some concern about Forteo causing the user to develop a cancer called osteosarcoma. So, once again the patient will be put in the position of determining if the benefits are worth the side effect risks.

The History of Fosamax and Its Associated Side Effects

In 1995 Fosamax received its approval from the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis as well as Paget’s disease. Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, issued a heavy marketing campaign. Merck has gone a long way in encouraging those who are using Fosamax that it is safe to use for a number of years. But long-term use has been reported by a number of experts as an unsafe practice when it comes to the patient’s health.  Some of the following side effects have been connected with Fosamax use:

• Sudden Femur Fractures
• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)  – also referred to as “Dead Jaw”
• Hip Necrosis
• Knee Necrosis
• Shoulder Necrosis
• Esophageal or upper gastrointestinal cancer
• Delayed healing

Number of Fosamax Lawsuits Now in the Thousands

The number of Fosamax lawsuits that have been filed as a result of the terrible side effects it can cause has now reached the thousands. It was recently reported that there are now over 2,200 Fosamax lawsuits that have been filed. Because the drug has been on the market so long there could be a lot more cases filed when it is all said and done.

Because there are so many Fosamax lawsuits that have been filed there has been a multidistrict litigation (MDL) established in order to streamline the legal process as much as possible. The Fosamax lawsuit MDL is currently in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. It is referenced as In Re: Fosamax Products Liability Litigation No. 06 MD 1789 and is being heard by the Honorable Judge John F. Keenan.

Filing Your Own Fosamax Lawsuit

If you have been the victim of a Fosamax side effect you may be eligible to file a Fosamax lawsuit. Visit the Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page to learn more about your legal options. There are Fosamax lawsuit attorneys investigating a variety of Fosamax side effects including atypical femoral fractures, esophageal or upper gastrointestinal cancer, delayed healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Updated January 17th, 2013