 fosamax |
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Fosamax , also known as
alendronate sodium, is an osteoporosis drug designed to build up brittle bones in men and postmenopausal women at risk for
osteoporosis. Fosamax is manufactured by
Merck & Co., and was first
approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 1995. Fosamax belongs to a class of bone density drugs called bisphosphonates that help the body to reabsorb calcium. Bisphosphonates help reduce bone fractures in the hip and the spine (vertical compression fractures) by gradually increasing bone mass.
Fosamax Advisory Information
It is important to take Fosamax on an empty stomach. After taking the dose for the day on an empty stomach, the patient must remain in an upright position for at least thirty minutes. According to the manufacturer, Fosamax has a tendency to irritate the esophagus, therefore patients must take precautions to avoid any reflux for about thirty minutes after taking the morning dose. Fosamax is a nonhormonal medication that retards bone loss and increases bone density, placing patients at a reduced risk for fractures and long-term osteoporosis.
Many patients on long-term Fosamax therapy for osteoporosis have reported serious musculoskeletal pain, and a small percentage has come down with a debilitating condition known as
osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ is a condition in which jaw tissue fails to heal fully after a tooth extraction or some other maxillofacial surgery or dental procedure. The jawbone tissue begins to feel heavy and numb, and if not treated the jawbone tissue dies. Designed to retard bone loss, Fosamax paradoxically causes reduced cellular activity in healing bone tissue, which may account for loss of blood supply to the jaw and resulting ONJ.
Fosamax History
2008In July 2008 the FDA reported szeveral adverse events relating to long-term bisphosphonate therapy and bone shear, specifically, sudden shattering and breakage of the femur. Several patients on long-term Fosamax therapy for oseteoporosis reported incidence of shattered bones after no stress or minimal stress to the bone.
2007After receiving numerous warnings from cardiologists, the FDA alerted the public in 2007 to an ongoing safety review of all bisphosphonate drugs, including Fosamax. The review warned of the potentiality of a chronic irregular heartbeat in patients who have been on bisphosphonate therapy for several years. Patients on Fosamax who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should consult their physician immediately.
Drug Injury
Please consult with your physician about any questions you may have concerning Fosamax and other bisphosphonates. If you are experiencing any of the side effects or symptoms associated with Fosamax, it may be important for you to discuss treatment alternatives to your current medication.
If you have legal questions or believe that you have been injured as a result of Fosamax, you should contact an attorney who has experience in this area of practice.
IMPORTANT - You should never stop taking any medication without first consulting with your prescribing physician.FORMATTER ERROR (Malformed Image Tag)]]