The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered the makers of Fosamax® and other bisphosphonates to list osteonecrosis (jaw bone decay) in its precautions on package inserts. Fosamax (alendronate sodium) belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Some bisphosphonates are taken orally, and others are taken intravenously. This class of drugs is also used to treat some bone cancers.
Since 2003, there have been reports of a possible link between bisphosphonates and a rare disorder called osteonecrosis, or "death of bone," involving the jaw - a condition marked by pain, swelling, infection and exposed bone. The majority of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw involved people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and had been given intravenous bisphosphonates to treat cancer that had spread (metastasized) to the bone. However, dentists began noticing a higher than expected incidence of jaw decay in those taking Fosamax®. Oral surgeons have become convinced that Fosamax® and similar drugs can cause the painful and dangerous jawbone death for other patients when taken over a long period of time.
The American Association of Endondontists issued a statement recommending that dental surgeons should check on whether patients take Fosamax® prior to working on their teeth.
If you or a loved one were injured as a result of ingestion of Fosamax®, please contact us online or call one of our Fosamax® lawyers at 1-850-444-9500 to discuss your valuable rights.