Reports About Bone Medication Fosamax

Things are not looking good for Merck & Co., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. What’s in the news is that Merck & Co.is suspected of illegal marketing practices with regard to some of its drugs. But what puts the company in the bad light is the numerous reports about the adverse effects brought about by one of its bestselling drugs – Fosamax.

Annual prescriptions that are filled for Fosamax could reach up to 20 million. Many have known this drug as alendronate, which is its generic form, and as the drug of choice for specific bone diseases like osteoporosis and Paget’s disease (osteitis deformans). This drug targets the bone remodeling cycle and diminish bone resorption which toughens the bones.

Unfortunately, news about the adverse effects that could result from the long term use of the drug continue to rise. The most commonly reported cases were osteonecrosis of the jaw bone and an atypical fracture of the thigh bone. Moreover, the pharmaceutical company seemingly lacked the proper disclosure of the said hazards causing a number of its patronizers to take legal actions.

It was way back in 2003 when the first Fosamax-related incidence of ONJ was brought to public attention. ONJ, which is also known to many as Bis-Phossy Jaw, is a disease characterized by the death of jawbone tissues resulting from poor nutrition. Usual manifestation of ONJ is pain upon chewing and most of the time, dentists are the first to diagnose ONJ during a dental checkup.

On another case, the intake of the drug over a long period has also been linked to a certain type of fracture. There were large studies conducted where it was found that a few women taking biphosphonates, a drug classification which includes Fosamax, have had low-impact thigh bone fracture. Yet, this repercussion Is considered uncommon and that the beneficial effects of the drug still supersedes.

In order to reduce the risks of these adversities, some doctors have opted to prescribe the drug on a shorter course. Most of the time, they would advise their patients to cease taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonates after a period of three years. Although the adverse and side effects of Fosamax are seriously harmful, the benefits of the drug often justifies the risks involved. Ask your doctor to find out if the drug suits your condition best.
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