Nowadays Fosamax is always in the spotlight. As Fosamax lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey Superior Court, many people are now looking for medicines they can use that doesn't have the adverse effectsofFosamax.
A member of the biphosphonate family of drugs,Fosamax augments bone mineral density by stimulatingbone formation and restraining bone resorption or breakdown at the same time and it is classified as a biphosphonate. Drugs belonging to this group are usuallyprescribedto prevent or treat bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (Paget'sDisease), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, these drugs have been reported to cause adverse effects like osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ) and atypical thigh bone fractures.
Osteonecrosis of the jawbone (ONJ).This condition is considered to be a severe dental conditionin whichexposure of a fraction ofthejawbone tissueoccurs. Poor blood supply happens,makingthe condition very difficult to heal till the bone tissue dies. There is a big problem for this condition as no diagnostic examinations can detect ONJ. It can only be diagnosed when exposure of the jawbone happens, which can last for more thaneightweeks. In most cases,thepatient would feel pain or discomfort, resultingfrom an infection, swelling of soft tissue, drainage and exposure of the bone.
In order to reduce the risks of ONJ, the patient should observe good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Dentists should also be informed when Fosamax or other biphosphonates are being used. However, if a dental procedure is scheduled, even if it is only a minor one, biphosphonate use may be postponed.
Atypical fracture of the femur.On October 13, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration advised thepublic onadditional twoatypical femur fractures on the label warnings of bisphosphonates, which include Fosamax.Volumes ofresearch suggested that prolonged use of the drug could lead to the development of such fracture. YettheFDA insisted that the benefits still outweighs the risk, which seems to be rare.
The FDA also asked the physicians that stopping the therapy for a little while might be the solution for people who felt significantly dull, aching pain in the thigh or groin. Additionally, some health care providers prescribe Fosamax for a period not exceedingfouryears. After all, the goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of the occurrence of fractures and certainly dealing with Fosamax femur fracture will not make it right.
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