The New England Journal of Medicine released a report recently linking the osteoporosis drug Fosamax to at least 23 cases of esophageal cancer since its initial market release in 1995. Additionally, only hours after the report was released in January, another study on Fosamax was also published in the Journal of the American Dental Association informing individuals that the development of a debilitating condition, which causes the bones within the jaw to die off, may be more common than initially thought among patients consuming the drug. The condition, which is known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, affects approximately 20,000 Americans each year, but is considered a rare and crippling condition.
The link of the most recent findings to the Fosamax drug from Merck and Co. adds to a lengthy list of Fosamax side effects that have been linked to the drug since its release. Fosamax, which is the generic name for Alendronate, that became available in 2001, is often prescribed to osteoporosis patients as well as postmenopausal women who suffer from bone density loss.
An ABC news report on the drug and the recent studies speculated on the potential upcoming public perception of Fosamax and how the "one-two punch" may affect the company. One ABC News contributor, Dr. Marie Savard, claimed that the die off of the jaw may be just "the tip of the iceberg... the drugs do change bone structure and growth."
Developing Osteonecrosis
According to the National Osteonecrosis Foundation and the Center of Osteonecrosis Research and Education, the condition commonly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, most often affecting individuals in their late 30s. The disease is described as "death of bone which can occur from the loss of the blood supply or by some other means." The following are potential causes of the condition:
* dislocations
* caisson disease
* sickle cell disease
* post-irradiation
* chemotherapy
* arteial disease
* gaucher�s disease
* alcohol
* lipid disturbances
* connective tissue disease
* liver disease
* kidney disease
* lupus
* smoking
* pancreatitis
* blood clotting disorders
* corticosteroids in high dosages
If an individual feels they may be a victim of the condition, there are several steps that can be taken to diagnose osteonecrosis including:
* X-ray
* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
* bone scan
* computed tomography (CT)
* biopsy
Details of Esophageal Cancer and Fosomax
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines esophageal cancer as "a cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus, which is the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach." It is estimated that in 2008 approximately 16,470 individuals will suffer from a new esophageal cancer diagnosis and approximately 14,280 deaths will result from this cancer, which is a fatality rate of nearly 86 percent.
Esophageal cancer can be treated in a variety of ways including immuno therapy and vaccine therapy as well as chemotherapy and radiation. However, according to NCI, "when esophageal cancer is found very early, there is a better chance of recovery... and at later stages, esophageal cancer can be treated but rarely can be cured."
Receive Fosamax Assistance
Patients who currently suffer from the severe Fosamax risks can find relief by contacting a medical professional immediately to halt consumption of the drug as well as to locate an experienced medical attorney specializing in pharmaceutical dangers such as that associated with Fosamax.
By contacting a knowledgeable Fosamax attorney a victim of the drug can receive a free legal consultation surrounding the potential development of a Fosamax class action lawsuit in which not only can justice be served and future Fosamax patients saved from the debilitating side effects, but the potential for earning monetary compensation is increased.
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