Fosamax is the leading bone-strengthening drug written over 20 million prescriptions annually for the treatment of several bone diseases. However, consumers need to be more careful as complaints and lawsuits are increasing against this drug due to its adverse effects, such as femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Now, DEXA scanning is advised to lessen the risk of Fosamax femur fracture.
Fosamax is classified as biphosphonate which acts on the normal bone cycle by slowing down bone breakdown leading to an increase in bone density. Doctors have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give Fosamax, alendronate sodium, to its patients to prevent or treat osteoporosis in both men and women. This medicine is also used to treat people afflicted with Paget’s Disease. Also, your doctor may order you to take the drug for indications not authorized by the FDA when your medical condition requires such treatment.
Using the drug for an indication, dosage, or form on administration that which has not been accredited by the FDA is regarded as off-label. Doctors have discovered that Fosamax may be used to treat certain cancers that have spread into the bones. Some of these cancers are lung, breast, multiple myeloma and prostate cancers. Other non-FDA- approved uses of the drug are treatment for vitamin D overdose and osteoporosis due to a spinal injury.
Significant weight loss is one of the side effects of biphosphonate that appears to be very appealing to some young adults. In spiteof that, taking the drug just to lose weight may not be a good idea as it maycauses greater hazards. Consult your doctor and be advised on what medication is more appropriate for you to lose weight.
The use of the drug for unauthorized indication, especially if not ordered by your physician, may yield unwanted problems to your health. Some of its side effects include ulcerations and bleeding in the esophagus and, in rare occasions, the death of a jaw bone tissue (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Recently, there have been increasing data suggesting that the long-term use of the drug may bring about an atypical form of Fosamax femur fracture. Suffering an adverse event that Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, failed to acknowledge may be a valid ground for filing a lawsuit But you might have a problem defending your side of litigation if it turns out that you are taking the drug for an off-label use. It is important to always be careful.
References:
npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121609815
capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111229/LIFE/112290301/-1/LIFE03


