A Background on Fosamax Side Effects - By: Ronald K. Redman

Part of the bisphosphonate drug group, Fosamax is mainly used to treat osteoporosis and several other bone disorders. Originally Fosamax was manufactured and distributed by Merck. But in 2008 Merck lost its generic patent on the drug. The company is also currently facing a lawsuit filed by two Illinois women claiming that Fosamax’s medical benefits were largely exaggerated.

However, while there are many Fosamax users who reported no problem associated with its use, the drug has been known for several adverse side effects. The common side effects include: abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, heart burn, irritation of the esophagus, difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, headache, constipation and diarrhea. There are however, other common side effects that are unlisted, but the important matter is that if users begin to show any of these side effects that they immediately visit their doctor.

There have been recent studies conducted by University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Health Research Institute, whose results show that Fosamax and several other bisphophonates can actually increase the risk of contracting bone necrosis, or bone death. The study does go on to say however, the illness is rare; (approximately one in every 20,000 people is diagnosed with it every year) and that Fosamax users are at a three times higher risk of developing the disease.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is the most common type of bone necrosis seen in Fosamax Patients. The Professors of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami published a research study in 2005 entitled "Bisphosphonate-Induced Exposed Bone (Osteonecrosis/Osteopetrosis) of the Jaws: Risk Factors, Recognition, Prevention and Treatment.” The results from the study showed that ONJ was most commonly seen in patients who are recovering from cancer and are receiving Fosamax through intravenous injection. Furthermore, the study goes on to state that the best way to avoid ONJ is to reduce intake of bisphosphonate drugs and not to have any surgical procedures done on one’s jaw.

Often patients who are using Fosamax do not feel any adverse side effects. However, with the number of Fosamax lawsuits increasing, it is important to know its possible side effects. If you think that any of the side effects of Fosamax have begun to show, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

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At present, the aim of overall fracture prevention still holds over this complication which somehow is still considered as uncommon. Consequently, many health care providers have changed their prescription duration of Fosamax 3 years or less. Many of those who have suffered this type of fracture have filed a Fosamax lawsuit against Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax.

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