While most patients who take Fosamax to treat and help prevent osteoporosis have few side effects – let alone serious side effects – it’s important to know that there are situations in which serious side effects occur.

If you have been told that you have developed atrial fibrillation after taking Fosamax or you have been diagnosed with an ulceration of the esophagus or you are suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw, it’s important to know what your options are.

What Are Your Options?

On many levels, this is a question that is best addressed by your physician. If you do have serious side effects after taking Fosamax, it’s important to talk with your doctor to determine other treatment options that are available to address your osteoporosis and to monitor the new symptoms that have arisen.

Reducing the Impact

Unfortunately, osteonecrosis of the jaw is something that will require specialized treatment from an endodontist. Likewise, osteonecrosis of other joints – such as the knee or hip – will require specialized care, and atrial fibrillation will need to be monitored by a specialist in order to reduce the overall risks.

First and foremost, however, when it comes to reducing the impact of Fosamax side effects you need to be sure that you are working with your physician.

What Are the Risks Associated with Atrial Fibrillation?

In order to understand why atrial fibrillation is of great concern, it’s necessary to understand some of the most common complications:

• Those who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely than others in their age groups to suffer a stroke.
• The volume of blood pumped through the body is less consistent and clots are likely to form.

Additionally, there are a number of common symptoms of atrial fib that are reported (though it’s important to note that not everyone exhibits these symptoms): shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness.

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

Most patients in whom atrial fib is diagnosed fall into one of the following categories:

1. Patients with metabolic issues including thyroid problems.
2. Patients with a previous incidence of cardiovascular disease.
3. Patients who have not had either type of underlying disease.

Often those who are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in connection with taking Fosamax fall into the third category.

It was first cited in a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May of 2007 that the use of Fosamax to treat osteoporosis could increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. It was reported that, while reviewing case study information from a number of clinical trials that those post-menopausal women who had taken Fosamax to prevent bone loss had a nearly 50% greater risk of the heart disease.

Why Doctors Still Prescribe Fosamax

Fosamax is used for both the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis – most often in post-menopausal women. Proponents of the medication cite that those who take Fosamax are less likely to suffer hip fractures along with fractures of the spine that are the result of compressed vertebrae. Ultimately, the reason that a physician is going to prescribe Fosamax is simple: the goal is to maintain bone mass in those who are at the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis.

Overall, the incidence of serious complications from Fosamax is relatively low.

Should I Take Fosamax?

If your doctor suggests that you start taking Fosamax, you should take the time to ask questions. Be sure that you are talking with your doctor about other medications that you take – including over the counter antacids and NSAID pain relievers (including aspirin and ibuprofen). In some cases, your physician will be able to answer questions that you have that will help you feel better about taking the medication; in other cases, your doctor will look at alternative treatment options.

I Already Take Fosamax. Should I Stop?

If you already take Fosamax, do not stop taking the medication without talking with your doctor; if you have concerns about the medication or find that you are experiencing some of the more severe side effects associated with taking Fosamax, you should call your doctor immediately as he or she will be in the best position to provide the answers that you need. While your doctor may agree that stopping Fosamax is in your best interest, your care giver is the best person to make decisions regarding your care.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with Fosamax are:

• stomach pain
• constipation
• nausea

Within the warnings from Merck are also the more serious side effects to be aware of:

• jaw pain
• muscle or bone pain
• black stools
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• new and worsening heartburn
• ulcers of the esophagus
• difficulty or pain when swallowing
• symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing

Because of these warnings, patients who have been on corticosteroids, hormone replacements treatments and anti-inflammatory medications – including over the counter ibuprofen – need to be sure that they are discussing these other medications that they take.

American Association of Endodonists Warning

The AAE has come forward to discuss additional warnings that should be made about the use of Fosamax. The American Association of Endodontists were among the first to come out with a specific warning about Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw. In a statement issued in March of 2006, the AAE said:

“The AAE is at the forefront of this emerging complication because endodontists have special expertise in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose,” said AAE President Marc Balson, D.D.S. “With this position statement, we hope to ensure the highest quality care and safety for patients taking bisphosphonates.”

“Until further information becomes available, the AAE recommends that all patients taking bisphosphonates be considered at some risk for ONJ, recognizing that the magnitude of the risk varies by patient,” he added. “The AAE also encourages patients taking bisphosphonates to inform their dental care providers and consult with specialists as needed.”

This relationship between Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw has also been cited by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Health Sciences Authority. It is a warning that is similar to that released by Novartis Oncology about the use of injectable biphosphate medications similar in structure to Fosamax.

While the Fosamax Advisor does not aim to provide medical advice or direct legal advice, we do want to ensure that you have as much information as possible. Rather than searching through the entire site to find the details that you need, this FAQ page will help to address the most common questions.

Fosamax Questions

What Is Fosamax?

Fosamax is a prescription medication manufactured by Merck that is used to treat or prevent bone loss diseases like osteoporosis.

Why Is Fosamax Prescribed?

Fosamax is prescribed for those who are at the greatest risk for osteoporosis in order to prevent bone loss as well as for those who have already been diagnosed with bone loss conditions.

What Are the Most Common Fosamax Side Effects?

In most cases, patients taking Fosamax experience stomach pain, nausea, constipation and heartburn. More serious side effects include allergic reactions and, in rarer cases, osteonecrosis of the jaw and other more serious side effects.

Should I Quit Taking Fosamax?

If you are concerned about the risks of taking Fosamax, contact your physician. You should never stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor (when you do, you will also be able to discuss additional risks of taking the medication and your concerns).

Am I At Risk for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw or Other Serious Side Effects?

Everyone’s body responds differently to medications. The best way to determine your risk is to talk with your physician. However, what has been noted is that those patients who have taken other biphosphonates, who have had extensive invasive dental work and who have taken steroids while on Fosamax have an increased risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Am I Able to Pursue a Lawsuit After Suffering Serious Side Effects of Taking Fosamax?

Only a lawyer will be able to determine whether or not you have a case; by filling in the request form on this page or on other pages of the site, you will be contacted by a lawyer who can help you to identify your next course of action.

If I Do Have a Case, What Can I Expect?

Those who have cases against Merck (the producers of Fosamax) will find that they are eligible to receive damages to offset medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional distress. Your Fosamax lawyer will be able to provide you with more information.

Why Fosamax Class Action Lawsuits?

Ultimately, the reason why Fosamax class action lawsuits are brought to the courts is simple: it’s about the power of numbers. While an individual may be able to indicate that the damages that they have were the result of taking Fosamax, the evidence becomes more compelling when multiple persons with the same symptoms and damages come together.

What Is the Foundation of Fosamax Class Action Lawsuits?

The majority of Fosamax class action lawsuits have involved those patients suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw and who have experienced a number of symptoms such as jaw pain, gun infections and exposed areas of bone inside the mouth as well as those patients who have needed surgery to remove exposed portions of bone. Additionally, those who have suffered osteonecrosis in other bones – most notably the hip, knee and shoulder – that leads to pain and reduced movement in the joint have been represented in class action lawsuits.

The cases that have been brought against Merck allege the following:

• The drug manufacturer was aware of Fosamax side effects including the risk of jaw necrosis and bone decay and continued to produce and market the medication.
• Not only did Merck continue to produce, distribute and market Fosamax knowing the risks, but also the company did not provide an adequate warning about the drug.
• By not indicating the risks of Fosamax, Merck hid their knowledge that the drug could put patients at an unreasonable risk.
• Because Merck has not fully acknowledged the risks of Fosamax and continues to market the drug to patients and medical care providers the company is intentionally causing confusion and distributing misinformation.
• That FDA warnings about the dangers of serious side effects of taking Fosamax should have led to additional safety testing but instead Merck focused on attempts to extend their exclusive rights to sell the medication – finding additional uses for Fosamax.

How Many Fosamax Lawsuits Have Been Filed?

While there is not one clear number of Fosamax lawsuits that have been filed, some recent reports indicate that nearly 700 Fosamax suits have been filed. In the same Drug Injury Watch report, reports indicate that Merck (the maker of Fosamax and Vioxx – another prescription medication that has led to legal action) has set aside nearly $50 million to address those lawsuits.

Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit

In addition to some individual cases that have been filed against Merck by patients who have taken Fosamax, a first class action lawsuit linking Fosamax to osteonecrosis of the jaw was filed in April of 2006 in Florida. Other states and areas have filed similar lawsuits alleging that Merck knew Fosamax could cause osteonecrosis of the jaw after similar medications were linked to the condition but did not make patients aware of the risk in an effort to maintain profits.

In many cases, if you are suffering from serious Fosamax side effects, you could be included in one of these class action suits.

Questions to Ask When You Choose a Fosamax Lawyer

When you are talking with attorneys about a Fosamax case, you are going to want to be sure to ask the following questions:

• Where did you get your education and how experienced are you in this field?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
• What are the possible outcomes of filing this Fosamax lawsuit?
• What are the alternatives to filing a Fosamax lawsuit based on my case alone?
• How long will it take to file and resolve my lawsuit?
• Would mediation or arbitration be more effective than a court case?
• What will I be charged for a Fosamax lawsuit?
• How frequently will we be working together and how will you keep me informed about the progress that’s being made?
• Will there be others from your office – including paralegals or junior attorneys – that will be working on my case?
• What approach are you going to take with my case and how will that help to bring about a resolution to my Fosamax lawsuit?

Ultimately, you are going to want to be sure that you are working with a lawyer that you will be able to have a sound relationship with as a Fosamax case could take a long while to settle. If you are looking for a Fosamax lawyer but have not yet settled on someone, you can have a Fosamax lawyer contact you by filling out the request for more information on this page.

What’s Involved in Filing a Fosamax Law Suit?

In order to file a Fosamax law suit, you need to be able to prove that you have a case. It’s a good idea to look at those cases that have been filed already to determine whether or not your situation is similar. The next thing that you are going to want to do is to consult a lawyer who can review your case.

What Information Will a Lawyer Need to Determine Whether or Not I Have a Case?

When you think you have a case after taking Fosamax, you’re going to want to have a lawyer review your evidence. In general, a lawyer will need information about:

• The case that you believe you have.
• The damages that you suffered.
• When you started to take Fosamax and when you stopped taking the drug.
• The name of the doctor who prescribed Fosamax.
• Your medical records – and whether or not it is possible for you to provide a copy of them.

It is only be reviewing your information and getting answers to additional questions that a Fosamax lawyer will be able to determine whether or not you have a case. If you do, your lawyer will be in the best position to explain the process of moving forward.

Do I Need to Find a Lawyer Who Is Well Known for Taking Fosamax Cases?

If you are looking at filing a Fosamax lawsuit, you may wonder about whether or not you should be looking for a lawyer who specifically handles those cases. While it’s important to know that you are looking at a qualified attorney – and while it is beneficial to work with someone who understands case law as it pertains to lawsuits relating to medications – you do not need to look for someone who is well known for cases involving a specific medication.

So What Should I Be Looking for in a Fosamax Lawyer?

When you are working with any lawyer, you should be sure that you find someone who:

• You feel comfortable with.
• Has experience with medical cases.
• Takes the time to determine whether or not you have a case.

In other words, you’re going to want to focus on finding a lawyer who will listen to the evidence and who will help you to determine the best course of action.

So How Do I Find a Fosamax Lawyer?

If you believe that you have a case but don’t have a Fosamax lawyer already, take a moment to fill out the request form at the side of this page and a qualified attorney will contact you to discuss the details.