Fosamax Linked to Rare Femur Fractures

The bisphosphonate Fosamax (alendronate) has been further linked to rare femur fractures in postmenstrual women, according to a new study by the New England Journal of Medicine. Though the popular osteoporosis drug is prescribed to improve bone density, there is growing evidence that female long-term Fosamax users may have an increased risk of atypical Fosamax femur fractures.

Fosamax was reportedly linked to a number of cases of esophageal cancer.

Though Fosamax has been heralded as a life-saver by most doctors, many recognize that rare side effects are very real. These atypical femur fractures have reportedly happened during low-energy exercise including walking and descending stairs. The painful breaks are rare because they are horizontal and have even been said to resemble the injuries of a car crash victim. This is surprising, because the femur is one of the largest and strongest bones in the human body.

Manufactured by Merck, Fosamax boasts annual revenue of over $3 billion, with 37 million prescriptions written in 2007 alone. Fosamax has been linked in the past to negative side effects. In 2008, Fosamax was implicated in some cases of atrial fibrillation, which is a chronic irregular heartbeat. Also in 2008, Fosamax was reported linked to a number of cases of esophageal cancer. In 2009, a relationship was shown between between Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw (“death of the jaw”), of which over three thousand cases have been reported thus far.

If you or a loved one has experienced a Fosamax femur fracture, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Though rare, the side effects of Fosamax use are severe and debilitating, and a dedicated Fosamax attorney can help fight for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.