Fosamax Warnings of Jaw Necrosis
The osteoporosis drug Fosamax has been associated with the development of a serious and disfiguring jawbone condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Although Merck has been aware of the painful and life-changing side effect for some time, they continue to provide inadequate Fosamax warnings to users and the medical community.
>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Jaw Necrosis Lawsuits
Osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as ONJ, is a rare form of damage to the jawbone, which causes the bone to decay and die. It is associated with jaw infection and portions of the jawbone which may become exposed inside the mouth. The irreversible condition is often set off by dental work or other micro trauma to the jaw, which could cause symptoms to develop.
Once symptoms of jaw necrosis surface, there is no consistently effective treatment, so it is important to take preventative steps to avoid aggravation of the condition. Most dental experts recommend that Fosamax users notify their oral surgeon before having any dental work done, as even common procedures like a tooth extraction could cause the bone tissue of the jaw to fail to heal properly, leading to exposed areas of bone inside the mouth.
Despite the large number of users who have reported suffering this disabling jaw condition while taking Fosamax, Merck continues to provide weak and confusing warnings to users. The only Fosamax warnings about jaw necrosis are buried in the “Precautions” section, under the subheading “Dental”. The Fosamax prescribing information states:
Osteonecrosis of the jaw, generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection, often with delayed healing, has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates. Most reported cases of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis have been in cancer patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates, but some have occurred in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis include a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteriods) poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g. pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection).
Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) while on bisphosphonate therapy should receive care by an oral surgeon. Dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk for ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment.
FOSAMAX WARNING LAWYERS
The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have developed osteonecrosis of the jaw or other Fosamax side effects. If proper Fosamax warnings had been featured more prominently and contained clear information about the risk of undergoing dental procedures after taking Fosamax, many people could have avoided this devastating condition.
If you, a friend or family member have suffered osteonecrosis of the jaw from Fosamax, or experienced symptoms of the jaw problems, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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