Fosamax: Long-Term Use Increases Risk of Femur Fractures (Broken Thigh Bones)
Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) is prescribed for women with osteoporosis and is supposed to make their bones stronger. However, using Fosamax for more than five years can have the opposite effect: it can weaken the femur, leading to spontaneous fractures.
Fosamax is one of a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Other bisphosphonates include Aclasta, Actonel, Aredia, Bondronat, Boniva, Didronel, Fosavance, Reclast, Skelid, and Zometa.
Fosamax Manufacture Admits Risk of Femur Fractures
After sixteen months of women reporting thigh bone breaks, Merck & Company, Inc., the manufacturer of Fosamax, acknowledged the risk. Merck changed its package insert in March 2010, adding "low energy femoral shaft and subtrochanteric fractures" to the list of possible side effects.
Fosamax FDA Warnings
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet required that Fosamax warn about the risk of femur fractures, a Fosamax warning is likely in the near future.
In March 2010, the FDA said that before it would make recommendations regarding bisphosphonates (including Fosamax), it would await a report being prepared by a task force of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research. On September 14, 2010, the task force completed its report. The report recommends a label change: “Physicians and patients should be made aware of the possibility of atypical femoral fractures and of the potential for bilaterality, through a change in labeling of BPs.”
Fosamax Lawyers and Fosamax Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has suffered a femur fracture after taking Fosamax for several years, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury from a Fosamax lawsuit. Contact the Fosamax lawyers at DeCarli Law for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation. Our Fosamax attorneys can you determine whether you can make a legal claim.