Fosamax Lawsuits
Fosamax lawsuits are filed by hundreds of people who have been adversely affected by the drug. Some of these lawsuits are categorized as class action suits and plaintiffs sought federal judges to certify them as such. As a result, over 900 individual lawsuits have been centralized in the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of New York. Recently, however, a federal judge in New Jersey threw out Fosamax lawsuits filed by generic versions of the drug, citing decisions by the Supreme Court.
atypical femur fractures
While the specific cause is unclear, recent research has highlighted an increase in atypical femur fractures. Researchers have identified a genetic predisposition to atypical fractures in bisphosphonate patients. Although the mechanism behind this increase remains unclear, it could be related to bisphosphonate therapy. Bisphosphonates have been shown to prevent common fragility fractures in osteoporosis.
A recent Fosamax lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey involves a woman who developed an atypical femur fracture while taking Fosamax. Merck argues that it acted responsibly when researching and developing FOSAMAX and that it was not responsible for the plaintiff’s fracture. In addition, the company points to data showing that over two8,000 people were treated with FOSAMAX during clinical trials.
Low-energy femur fractures
Low-energy femur fractures can result from any number of different injuries, but the most common cause is Fosamax use. These fractures are common among people suffering from osteoporosis. Despite being one of the largest and strongest bones in the body, femur fractures can still occur in the event of a fall, car accident, or other trauma. Fosamax may have caused a loss of bone density in patients who did not know anything about it.
The study found that Fosamax users experienced 98% of specific femur fractures, such as low-energy femur fractures, which are caused by falls from a standing height. The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, identified specific types of femur fractures among Fosamax users. It also highlighted cases of atypical femur fractures in women with rheumatoid arthritis.
Jaw injuries
A total of more than 4,000 lawsuits have been filed against Merck & Co. over injuries caused by Fosamax. Some cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in New Jersey and New York. Some cases were resolved with settlements of up to $285,000, and other lawsuits are still pending. Experts expect the number of Fosamax lawsuits to grow into hundreds and thousands.
In addition to femur fractures, another class action focuses on injuries to the jaw. Fosamax was known to cause jawbone disintegration, which led to a weakened jawbone. In 2006, the lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation or MDL. Bellwether trials followed soon after. While the jury deliberations have not yet concluded, many are expecting to see a multimillion-dollar award from a judge.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a painful, disfiguring disease that affects the jaw bone. In severe cases, the affected patient may need to have surgery to remove decayed jaw bone. Images of the condition are disturbing and should not be seen on the internet. A person who has experienced osteonecrosis of the jaw may have no symptoms for months. The lawsuit can result in substantial compensation for the patient and his or her family.
While BRONJ is rare and the exact cause of this disease is still unclear, it is believed to be related to certain medications. Patients may have to stop taking harmful medications before undergoing invasive dental procedures to limit the destruction of the jaw. But this may not be enough to stop the progression of osteonecrosis of the jaw. In these cases, the treating physician and dentist may have recommended that their patients stop taking the medications.
Esophageal cancer
The FDA is investigating whether the osteoporosis drug Fosamax is linked to esophageal cancer. This is a potentially serious side effect of bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax. There have been 23 reports of esophageal cancer linked to Fosamax, and eight patients have died as a result. If you or a loved one has developed esophageal cancer while taking Fosamax, you should consider switching to an alternative osteoporosis drug.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is another potential side effect of Fosamax. This condition causes the jawbone to collapse, exposing the bone underneath. It is extremely painful for patients and can result in loss of teeth, facial disfigurement, and even death. Esophageal cancer lawsuits against Fosamax have emerged in response to these side effects.
Fosamax lawsuits are filed by hundreds of people who have been adversely affected by the drug. Some of these lawsuits are categorized as class action suits and plaintiffs sought federal judges to certify them as such. As a result, over 900 individual lawsuits have been centralized in the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Southern District…