Doctors Report Increase in Femur Fractures Among Patients Taking Fosamax for Osteoporosis

In addition to previously observed side effects of Fosamax, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, headache, nausea and rashes, doctors now report an increasing incidence of femur fractures among long-term users of the drug.

Although Fosamax is prescribed to strengthen bones in women suffering from osteoporosis, some doctors have noted that taking Fosamax for five years or longer may actually cause the bones to become more brittle, increasing some women’s risk of spontaneous fracture.

According to Dr. Kenneth Egol, a professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center, femur fractures have been experienced by “people just walking down the steps, patients who are doing low-energy exercise.” He characterizes such fractures as “very unusual” because “the femur is one of the strongest bones in the body.”

In 2008, the FDA contacted Merk & Co. — the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Fosamax — about the reports of femur fractures. Merck allowed 16 months to pass before adding fracture risk to the list of possible side effects of Fosamax.

Merck continues to insist that no causal link between Fosamax and femur fractures has been established. However, a study in Denmark reported a positive link between Fosamax and femur fractures in 2008. Additional research is expected to be published in March 9, 2010.

Although no recommendations were made for the length of treatment with Fosamax, some physicians are now suggesting that Fosamax treatment be limited to five years.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by side effects resulting from Fosamax, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost income or other expenses. Contact an expert personal injury attorney at (888) 255-2956. The AWKO team boasts some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer.