Since it's introduction, Fosamax has been taken by nearly 10 million men and women. Since 2001 more than 2,400 patients taking bone building medications have reported cases of ONJ, osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these reports came from people who took potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs, which are known as bisphosphonates. An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates in pill form have suffered from bone, joint or muscle pain leaving them bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.
Fosamax Side Effects
Osteonecrosis of the jaw causes severe infections, swelling and loosening of teeth. Osteonecrosis patients often require long term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Many people have filed Fosamax lawsuits claiming compensation for their medical costs and for pain and suffering.
Fosamax is the brand name for the drug Alendronate. It belongs to a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women who are losing bone density. They have also been used for nearly 15 years to treat cancer patients. Other bisphosphonates include Actonel, Boniva, Bonefos, Didronel, Aredia, Skelid and Zometa.
A connection was discovered between bisphosphonates and a serious bone condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). This finding, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, showed the side effects of Fosamax may include ONJ. Victims of ONJ caused by Fosamax can file for compensation in a court.
The FDA and drug manufacturer Novartis issued warnings to health professionals in September 2004 about the potential of ONJ due to the use of bisphosphonates in chemotherapy patients. Most are treated with a more concentrated form of the drug, usually intravenously. While no statement was made about milder forms of the class, like Fosamax, many researchers see the potential for similar side effects.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed can lead to fractures and infections often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patients using Fosamax is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.
Symptoms of "dead jaw" include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.
The highest risk factors for ONJ are:
1) taking bisphosphonates, especially in IV form
2) concurrent use of steroids
3) previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease
4) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.
New Orleans, LA: A popular drug that has been linked to a rare debilitating condition known as osteonecrosis (bone death in the jawbone) is now under suspicion for putting some patients at increased risk for hip fractures if taken for more than five years. Fosamax (alendronate) is just one of several drugs in the bisphosphonate family that have come under fire lately with regard to bone health. [ 
Fort Walton Beach, FL: The makers of Fosamax say there is no scientific evidence that the drug causes osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or death of jawbone tissue. However Shirley Boles begs to differ. The 71-year-old Florida woman sleeps with a towel to absorb the pus that oozes from her jaw. [ 
Manhattan, NY: It may not necessarily be a headache medication on trial, but the outcome could be a headache for pharmaceutical giant Merck as it works to complete a multi-billion dollar merger with Schering-Plough. At issue is Fosamax, a drug that has been taken by millions of women to offset bone loss associated with menopause. The allegation is that it also causes osteonecrosis, or death of the jaw among other Fosamax side effects. A lawsuit litigated since August 12 has just gone to the jury and everyone is watching. [ 
