Fosamex is a prescription drug used to treat a variety of bone related conditions, is a type of drug known as bisphosphonates. Fosamax was approved by the FDA in 1995. Fosamax and bisphosphonates are most commonly prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. However, it is also approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis in both men and women, to treat Paget’s disease of the bone, and to treat patients with cancer that has metastasized to the bone. It is estimated that doctors wrote 39 million prescriptions for Fosamax in American alone.

It has been discovered that there is a connection between Fosamax and a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which is also known as "dead jaw." ONJ is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after any minor trauma, such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed. This exposure can lead to infection or fracture and can require surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. If you, a member of your family, or someone you know has experienced any of the problems outlined above after using Fosamax, immediately contact the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith.

In the U.S. Package Insert for both Aredia and Zometa, the following information on osteonecrosis has been added to the Adverse Reactions section under Post-Marketing Experience.

"Cases of osteonecrosis (primarily involving the jaws) have been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. The majority of the reported cases are in cancer patients attendant to a dental procedure. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has multiple well documented risk factors including a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids) and co-morbid conditions (e.g., anemia, coagulopathies, infection, pre-existing oral disease). Although causality cannot be determined, it is prudent to avoid dental surgery as recovery may be prolonged."

Biophosonates remain in the bones indefinitely. Fosamax, Aredia, Actonel and Zometa are in the class of drugs known as Biophosonates, they are also used in the management of certain cancers - such as multi myeloma - where the cancer has metastisized (spread) and is therefore used for bone, lung, prostate and breast cancer.

The problem with drugs such as Fosamax is that they can upset the delicate balance between the cells that place calcium in the bone and the cells that take calcium away. Unfortunately, osteoporosis of the jaw is a risk for all Biophosonates.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is the destruction of bone tissue. It is also known as dead jaw. The condition is a degenerative, deteriorative, and painful condition that involves soft tissue swelling in the mouth, loosening of the teeth, drainage, infection, and subsequently exposed bone. It is the result of blood flow not properly reaching the jaw bone.

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