Fosamax Linked to "Dead Jaw," or
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, and Fractures

You Have Rights – If You Suffered Due to Fosamax,
Get Legal Help Today

Fosamax Side Effects

The popular osteoporosis drug Fosamax (generic: Alendronate Sodium) has been linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone (ONJ) and other side effects. Also known as "dead jaw," ONJ literally refers to jaw bone death or rotting of the jaw. Blood flow to the site ceases and the bone begins to die. As a result of this painful and devastating condition, victims often require intensive treatment with antibiotics or even surgical removal of a portion of their jawbone. Now, reports of bone problems in other parts of the body, fractures including stress fractures, and severe and disabling musculoskeletal pain in Fosamax patients are surfacing.

Dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists and periodontists first noticed cases of the usually rare osteonecrosis of the jawbone in 2003 and noticed a trend that these patients were on a bisphosphonate drug. They noticed that patients who had dental work or oral surgery such as extraction of a tooth would fail to heal properly. Fosamax’s label was not updated to warn about ONJ until July 2005. Fosamax, prescribed to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, has been widely prescribed to millions of patients since its introduction to the market. As a result, cases of ONJ have sharply risen.

Signs of Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone

Do you suspect that you have ONJ? If you are taking a bisphosphonate drug such as Fosamax either orally or intravenously and are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, you could be suffering from ONJ. You should seek medical treatment immediately.

• Pain and tenderness in the jaw
• Pressure in the jaw
• Numbness in the jaw
• Heavy feeling in the jawbone
• Drainage from the jaw
• Exposed jaw bone
• Infection in the gum
• Swelling in the jawbone
• Loose teeth

Mark & Associates, P.C. Provides Legal Help for Fosamax Patients

If you suffered fractures in any part of your body while taking Fosamax, they may be the result of the drug treatment. If you or a loved one developed ONJ or fractures while taking Fosamax, you can obtain a free consultation about your potential case by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or by filling out the form at the right. Our experienced defective drug lawyers are here to help you and your family.