There has been much talk in the media about injuries from certain medical products. The two that have recently been problematic are the prescription drug Fosamax and certain DePuy hip replacements. Individuals must be aware of the impact that these medical products can have, both good and bad in order to make informed decisions. Recently, our firm has seen an increase in the amount of cases concerning Fosamax and DePuy hip replacements. At our firm, we have heard many victims tell their painful stories of their experiences with these products. We aim to keep our clients and the communities we serve aware of this information to protect their own health and well-being.
Fosamax is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and steroid-induced osteoporosis in men. It has been determined that these patients who took the drug face significant risk of a spontaneous femur, hip and thigh fracture injury. Long Island Attorney Rudolph Migliore states, “Fosamax intended to relieve the suffering of arthritis but instead has had devastating and sometimes crippling results on people.” In FDA and independent studies, it was discovered that some patients using Fosamax had severe pain in joints, muscles and/or bones. Many of these patients have suffered a broken femur, thigh or hip fracture after a minor fall.
Fosamax is a type of drug categorized as a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are a class of drug that strengthens bone density, usually used to treat osteoporosis. The FDA has concluded that although the drugs have not been proven to directly cause the fractures, the fractures are mainly reported to patients who have taken bisphosphonates. Based on this information, it has been reported that bisphosphonates cause multiple implications in the body including femur, hip and thigh fractures. The FDA has also encouraged healthcare professionals to re-evaluate their patients and determine whether bisphosphonate therapy is needed. Additionally, as of January 2011, there has been a link to an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition hinders the patient from properly healing after minor traumas, surgery or tooth extractions. This leads to gum infections, jaw bone damage and loss of teeth. Fosamax should not be used for patients with certain disorders of the esophagus. Severe digestive reactions, heartburn, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus may develop. For prescriptions starting this year, Fosamax will include a new label called a black box warning, updating the new information that has been uncovered about this drug. Fortunately, more patients will be aware of these side effects and will be able to take precautions to avoid injury. “Many products, either pharmaceutical or surgical are well intended but on occasion are not adequately investigated for potential side effects or effective functionality of the product. This is often done for financial or expedient considerations. When there are short cuts taken, people suffer,” says Mr. Migliore.
Another issue of concern in many different senior citizen communities has been the increase of patients needing multiple hip replacements because they were implanted with defective hip replacements, many manufactured by DePuy orthopedics. Some patients that were given the defective implant had to undergo revisionary surgery, making it a longer and harsher ordeal. The DePuy hip replacement is designed to replace worn or weakened parts of the body's natural hip. Studies have shown that one in eight patients will need a second procedure to correct the original implant. “A hip replacement is a difficult and painful procedure. To have additional pain and surgery as a result of a defective product is unimaginable,” states Rudolph Migliore. The implants are not fitting properly, due to poor design by the manufacturer, causing patients to feel pressure or experience pain. Unfortunately, in many cases when the device was removed, it left behind dangerous fragments. Complications include dislocation of the device, metal sensitivity and chronic pain or osteolysis, when fine bits of plastic debris wear off over time. These may cause other health complications and alter a patient’s quality of life. Often, even daily activities are affected by this hip replacement. If you are experiencing such discomfort, victim’s should seek help immediately from their doctor or medical professional. These side effects are not normal, as the hip replacement is meant to relieve pain and suffering, not add to it.
The Migliore law firm located on Long Island, has represented clients in a wide range of product liability cases in the last three decades and has worked with nationally recognized co-counsel to reach successful verdicts. For more information or to set up a free consultation, contact Rudolph Migliore directly at 631-543-3663.
Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C.
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