Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) and Fosamax Plus D (Alendronate Sodium Cholecalciferol) are commonly dispensed prescription drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Fosamax is manufactured by Merck and was approved by the FDA in 1995.
Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Other drugs in this class are prescribed in higher doses for the treatment of cancers that have metastasized to bone. This class of drugs has been linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). This condition prevents bone in the jaw from healing properly after minor trauma. This can leave bone exposed and lead to serious infection and surgery. For this reason, anyone taking Fosamax or other bisphosphonates should avoid tooth extractions and other maxillofacial surgery. ONJ is can be treated if diagnosed early. Symptoms of ONJ include jaw pain, gum swelling, loose teeth, drainage, numbness and a sensation of heaviness in the jaw.
If you have taken Fosamax or been treated with other bisphosphonates and have experienced any of the symptoms listed above you can contact us for further investigation into your potential claim.
