Fosamax Tied to Increase Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
By Christina Drury
Those who take or have taken Fosamax – a drug that is designed to help prevent bone weakening and lessen the effects of osteoporosis – are finding themselves at increasing risks of side effects. While many Fosamax lawsuits have been brought forth by those who have suffered femur fractures as a result of taking Fosamax, studies are now showing that those who take Fosamax – or other bisphosphonates – are facing an increasing risk of cancer occurrences, namely in the upper gastrointestinal region.
Details of the 13-Year Fosamax Gastrointestinal Cancer Study
The Fosamax study, published in October 2012 in “PLOS One” Journal consisted of 8,636 patients, a mix of men and women. Over the course of 13 years, the study evaluated these men and women and determined that those who used bisphosphonates – compared to those who did not – were at an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. Over 30,000 controls were used to match the occurrence of the cancer.
The length of use was not mentioned, but the study defined the use as any one of the persons involved in the study having been prescribed and taken bisphosphonates throughout the 13 years in which the study was active.
Fosamax Likely Overly Prescribed
It has also been determined that several doctors may have overly prescribed Fosamax and other bisphosphonates in misguided attempts to delay the onset of osteoporosis in menopausal women. If at the age of 65, menopausal women tested showed to have normal bone density, a second test would not have to be carried out for at least 15 years. Overestimating the progression of osteoporosis in these instances would result in Fosamax being taken unnecessarily and increasing the risk of unnecessary Fosamax side effects.
Speaking with Your Doctor Prior to Use
Like any prescription drug, it is advisable to speak with your doctor about the possible side effects of Fosamax along with other bisphosphonates. Knowing which Fosamax side effects are common and proven can help the patient make more educated decisions in whether or not it is suitable for their particular diagnosis.
How to Take Legal Action
Currently there are hundreds of Fosamax injury lawsuits pending in New Jersey Superior Court in Atlantic County. The nature of the Fosamax lawsuits – which are pending in a consolidated multidistrict litigation (MDL) – are the Fosamax side effects that long-term use of the prescription drug has caused.
At the center of these Fosamax injury lawsuits are concerns over jaw problems, atypical femur fractures and esophageal cancer. In prescription drug cases, the awards are individual, despite the class action lawsuit status, and are awarded based on the side effects suffered by the victim.
To date, Fosamax has been linked to 23 instances of esophageal cancer and eight deaths as a result. Those who have suffered a loss can file a Fosamax lawsuit for wrongful death.
If you are interested in filing a Fosamax class action lawsuit for side effects that were a direct result of use of Fosamax, you can visit the Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation Page. Here, you will be able to submit information about you or your loved one who has experienced any of the Fosamax side effects mentioned above. Fosamax ttorneys are investigating claims of side effects such as Fosamax femur fractures, esophageal cancer and problems with your jaw.
Updated December 3rd, 2012
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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