Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Osteoporosis Medications

Osteoporosis drugs are intended to treat and prevent osteoporosis in patients by increasing the bone density and keeping the bones from breaking down, thus making a fracture less likely. These types of drugs usually belong to the Bisphosphonate category. Osteoporosis makes the bones more likely to fracture because the bones become brittle, often occurring in the elderly, making a fracture potentially life-threatening.

One of the most common Bisphosphonate drugs is called Alendronate, sold as Fosamax or a generic form. While many people who take Fosamax suffer only minor side effects, if any at all, others may have more severe problems. With all drugs, the benefits of taking Fosamax must be weighed against the potential harm that it could do. Patients need to assess and closely monitor their body for any reactions. Patients should also keep in mind that some side effects may occur suddenly and without warning.

If you are taking Fosamax you may experience a number of side effects. Minor side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, rashes and heartburn. Unfortunately, patients should also be on the lookout for some of the more severe side effects, such as throat pain, chest pain or difficulty swallowing. Some patients have experienced problems with the esophagus, some ultimately being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Fosamax has also been linked to spontaneous femur, hip and thigh fractures. The Journal of American Medicine said that prolonged treatment, generally five years or more, with Fosamax is linked to an “increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures.” These extremely painful and debilitating injuries are associated with long recovery times and altered lifestyles, often making daily activities difficult or impossible. These fractures may occur after low-impact falls or in situations where normally the bone would not be affected. There is often no indication that this is coming, although Fosamax is associated with severe bone, muscle or joint pain.

Another potentially severe side effect of alendronates or Fosamax is “dead jaw syndrome” or osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition causes the jaw bone to deteriorate and die from lack of adequate blood flow. While there are different levels of osteonecrosis of the jaw, in many cases the jaw bone must ultimately be removed.

Recently, lawsuits have been filed concerning some of the side effects of Fosamax. Patients who have been on Fosamax and experienced a fracture femur ,thigh or hip, or have dead jaw syndrome (osteonecrosis of the jaw) may be entitled to file a suit for their injuries, pain and suffering.

With over three decades of experience the Law Firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. has been helping those suffering as a result of Fosamax. The firm is also accepting new cases and is working with nationally recognized co-council to reach major verdicts. For a free consultation, contact the firm at 631-543-3663, or please visit migliorelaw.com for more information.

Increase in Injuries with Medical Products

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.

The Dangers of Fosamax, a Bisphosphonates drug

The Food and Drug Administration has continually reported the dangerous side effects of the prescription drug, Fosamax. Once known as the drug 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 fracture injury. Patients who suffer from this medication do not have to be involved in an athletic activity for a fracture to occur. In most cases, women and men have done basic daily activities and have experienced a fracture.

In recent news, the FDA has encouraged healthcare professionals to re-evaluate their patients and determine whether bisphosphonate therapy is needed. Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that strengthen bone density, usually used to treat osteoporosis. The FDA has also concluded that although the drugs have not been proven to directly cause the fractures, the fractures are mainly reported to patients who took bisphosphonates. Based on this information, it has been reported that bisphosphonates cause multiple implications in the body other than femoral fractures.

As of January 2011, there has been a link to an increased risk of osteoporosis of the jaw. This condition keeps the patient from properly healing after minor traumas, surgery or tooth extractions, leading to loss of teeth, gum infections and jaw bone damage. Fosamax should not be used for patients with certain disorders of the esophagus. Severe digestive reactions, heartburn, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus may be developed. For prescriptions starting this year, Fosamax will include a new label updating the new information that has been uncovered about this drug. More patients will be aware of these side effects and take whatever precautions are necessary to avoid injury.

Fortunately, patients may also ask their healthcare professional for any alternative remedies to reduce the skeletal disorder, osteoporosis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, can significantly reduce the risk of bone less and may strengthen bone density. For patients suffering from osteoporosis, eating a healthy diet which includes adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D are necessary, which can be found in green vegetables, dairy and some salt water fish.

Patients who experience pain in the groin or thigh area should seek medical attention immediately before a complete fracture occurs. For additional information, visit www.webmd.com

Fosamax is the link to many types of painful health conditions. Individuals harmed by Fosamax should seek legal help. The Long Island law firm of Rudolph F.X Migliore, P.C has the resources to handle Fosamax prescription drug cases. The Migliore firm 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 settlements for clients.

If you or a loved one has used the osteoporosis medication Fosamax and later suffered a femur (hip/thigh/jaw) fracture contact the Long Island, NY Law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C at (631) 543-3663 to arrange a free case evaluation. Visit: www.migliorelaw.com