Fosamax Femoral Fractures Lawsuit
Several years ago, a class action lawsuit was filed against Merck for a defective drug called Fosamax. Around 500 people suffered atypical femoral fractures while taking Fosamax, and they sued Merck under state tort laws. The lawsuits claimed that Merck was obligated to warn consumers about the risk of atypical femoral fractures. Merck argued that it was impossible to follow both federal and state law, as they conflict.
Fosamax femoral fractures are low-energy
Researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery have documented an unusual increase in women suffering from low-energy thigh bone fractures. These injuries are caused by falls from a standing height or while stooping. Among the study participants, one-third had received long-term osteoporosis treatment, and two-thirds had taken the bisphosphonate Fosamax. One of these fractures occurred in women who had been taking the bisphosphonate Fosamax for at least seven years.
Fosamax interferes with the normal metabolism of bones and weakens them. Because the repair process of bones is disrupted by Fosamax, ordinary activities cause stress fractures in the brittle bone material. Over time, stress fractures progress to major fractures. Fosamax-related femoral fractures are also known as atypical femur fractures, which occur under a minimal amount of stress and break horizontally.
They occur spontaneously
There are some patients who develop Fosamax-related femoral fractures. Most occur spontaneously and without a significant amount of stress on the bones. According to a new study, a Danish researcher claims that Fosamax may be a cause of this condition. However, the cause for this atypical fracture is still unknown. Therefore, further research is needed to identify this specific side effect.
The lawsuits filed by individuals who developed atypical femur fractures are particularly prevalent. The chances of developing these fractures are approximately three-fifths of a percent. This means that delayed healing could occur in any patient. Affected patients are encouraged to join a support group to find out how to cope with their situation. Dr. Smith says that his online group has helped many people who had been diagnosed with this ailment.
They are caused by bisphosphonates
Patients on bisphosphonates should be aware of the risks associated with atypical femur fractures. The FDA has issued a MedWatch program to monitor adverse events associated with bisphosphonates. To report a suspected adverse reaction to bisphosphonates, contact the FDA’s MedWatch program using the “Contact Us” box at the bottom of the page. To report a potentially serious side effect, patients should provide detailed information, including the location and severity of the fracture. Detailed information about the side effects, including the severity of pain, should be provided as well.
Researchers found that patients who were treated with bisphosphonates had harder and more mineralized bone than those who did not. Bisphosphonates slow the process of resorption and remodeling, which leads to the formation of new bone. Healthy adults constantly resurface cortical bone. This process takes a decade or more. Bisphosphonates slowed the remodeling process, resulting in brittle bone.
They are associated with long-term use
Several studies have linked the bisphosphonate Fosamax to atypical femur fractures. The study conducted by Goh and colleagues examined data from two clinical trials involving Fosamax and Reclast. Both trials were sponsored by Novartis and Merck, respectively. The researchers reviewed data from 14195 women taking Fosamax. Another study included more than 1,100 women who took Reclast.
Using bisphosphonates for long-term treatment of osteoporosis may be beneficial for people with low bone-mineral density at the femoral neck or those with a history of spine fractures. However, those with a femoral neck T score less than -2.0 are unlikely to benefit from prolonged use. To find the best treatment for your specific needs, you must weigh the benefits and risks associated with bisphosphonates and discuss the duration of treatment with your physician.
Merck is liable
This Fosamax femoral fracture lawsuit accuses Merck of causing the thigh bones of its patients to deteriorate. As a result, two titanium rods were inserted into her femur to stabilize the bone. While she underwent extensive surgery to stabilize the thigh bones, she developed severe respiratory failure. She was transferred to an intensive care unit and received life-saving blood transfusions. The lawsuit alleges that the drug caused Metz’s atypical femoral fractures. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages from Merck.
The FDA had previously rejected Merck’s attempt to add a fracture warning to the Fosamax label, arguing that the labels themselves were federal law and Merck should not be held liable under state laws for not warning consumers. However, a federal court disagreed, dismissing 500 of the plaintiffs’ claims on the basis of the failure to warn. The company argues that it would be impossible to comply with both federal and state law in this case.
Several years ago, a class action lawsuit was filed against Merck for a defective drug called Fosamax. Around 500 people suffered atypical femoral fractures while taking Fosamax, and they sued Merck under state tort laws. The lawsuits claimed that Merck was obligated to warn consumers about the risk of atypical femoral fractures. Merck argued that…