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FOSAMAX FACTS
What is Fosamax?
Fosamax, also known as Alendronate Sodium, is a bisphosphonate used for:
- The treatment or prevention of osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause. It reduces the chance of having a hip or spinal fracture.
- Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
- The treatment of osteoporosis in both men and women receiving corticosteroid medications (for example, prednisone).
- Treatment of Paget's disease.
How does Fosamax work?
Fosamax, approved by the FDA in 1995, works by:
- Reducing the activity of the cells that cause bone loss.
- Decreasing the faster rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause or with use of corticosteroid medications.
- Increasing the amount of bone in most patients.
These effects are seen as soon as three months after therapy with Fosamax has begun. These effects continue as long as you keep taking Fosamax. The density of bone is maintained or increased and the bone is less likely to fracture.
Who should not take Fosamax?
Patients with:
- Certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach).
- Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Low levels of calcium in their blood.
- Severe kidney disease.
- Allergy to Fosamax.
Patients who are:
What side effects can Fosamax cause?
Alendronate (brand name Fosamax) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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stomach pain
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constipation
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diarrhea
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gas
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bloating or fullness in the stomach
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change in ability to taste food
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pain in bones, muscles, or joints
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headache
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately. It is very important to talk to your doctor right away after you develop these symptoms to be sure you do not develop a serious condition:
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jaw injury
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new or worsening heartburn
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difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
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chest pain
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upset stomach
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vomiting
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bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
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black, tarry, or bloody stools
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mouth sores or pain in the mouth (especially if you chew or suck on tablets)
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rash (may be severe and may be made worse by sunlight)
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itching
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hives
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swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
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difficulty breathing or swallowing
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hoarseness
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eye pain
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flu-like symptoms
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fever
Some laboratory animals who were given alendronate developed a certain type of cancer. It is not known if alendronate causes this type of cancer in humans. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.
Alendronate may cause other problems such as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, or "Jaw Death". Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Fosamax, also known as Alendronate Sodium by Merck, is commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis. Recently, a medical study revealed a connection between Fosamax, and other bisphosphonates, and a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ).
Where can I get further information on Fosamax?
For more information on Fosamax please click on the below links:
Source
1. Merck & CO., INC.
2. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.
If you suffer from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or jaw death as a result of taking Fosamax you should contact an attorney. Please fill out the form below and your submission will be forwarded to an experienced attorney.
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