Possible Link Between Fosamax and Esophageal Cancer

23 Cases of Esophageal Cancer Reported to the FDA

A report in the New England Journal of Medicine published December 31, 2008 has raised a red flag over a possible link between Merck's osteoporosis drug Fosamax, and esophageal cancer.

The NEJM article cites an FDA report which states that the agency has received 23 reports of esophageal cancer that may be linked to use of bisphosphonate. The cases were reported between October 1995, when Fosamax became available, and May 2008.

To date, 8 of the 23 patients have died. The FDA report also notes that "no similar US reports for other oral bisphosphonates were retrieved from the FDA's database for adverse-event reporting".

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered illness from using this product, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Jan-2-09