According to a recent university medical study, a drug commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis in women may have the unintended side effect of causing a serious jaw disease.

The drug, called Fosamax, is made by the pharmaceutical company Merck. It is the most common drug prescribed to treat this condition (which affects about 10 million Americans) and is one of the 20 or so most common drugs prescribed in this country. Unfortunately, researchers at the University of Southern California have linked its use with a condition known as “jaw necrosis” (also known as “ONJ” or “Dead Jaw”), which causes the jaw bone to decay. Symptoms can include jaw pain, sores on the jaw, and loss of teeth. The condition can be disfiguring, and is often very difficult to treat.

According to the study, 9 of 208 people prescribed Fosamax developed jaw necrosis, about 4% of those taking the drug. Some developed problems even though they took the drug for only a short time. However, Merck does not warn people of the danger, and in fact denies that Fosamax causes jaw necrosis.

If you have reason to suspect that you or someone you love has been harmed by Fosamax, or know someone who has developed jaw necrosis, call us. We can help you determine if you have been injured or are entitled to any compensation.

It seems as though every day there is a new story about some drug that causes serious side effects, even death. Although the majority of drugs are safe and effective, many are dangerous to certain users. The following medications have all been associated with certain health problems:

Acutane:

depression; suicide

Cialis, Viagra, Levitra:

blindness

Celebrex, Vioxx:

stroke; heart attacks

Ephedra:

heart trouble; hypertension

Ortho Evra, Prempro:

embolisms; strokes

Paxil:

addiction; violent outbursts

Rezulin (aka Prelay):

hepatitis; liver problems

Zyprexa:

diabetes; stroke

Of course, this is only a partial list, and the dangerous effects of some drugs may (as yet) be unknown. If you have reason to suspect that you or someone you love has been harmed by a medication, contact us.