FDA Alerts: Fosamax, Aredia, Zometa

The Food and Drug Administration monitors the potential side effects of popular drugs in order to ensure public health and safety.  Drugs such as Fosamax, Aredia, and Zometa have been the objects of such recent speculation about their risks vs. benefits, due to a rising number of claims that these drugs can be responsible for several serious side effects, including osteonecrosis of the jaw.

The FDA Alerts: Fosamax, Aredia, and Zometa began with a letter dated September 24, 2004 that was sent to oncologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to inform them about the propensity of Novartis' Zometa to cause severe dental side effects.  This letter was followed by another warning to dentists and doctors in May 2005 about the risks of Aredia, Novartis' other bisphosphonate drug.

In August, 2004, Fosamax was a target of an FDA Office of Drug Safety Postmarketing Safety Review panel recommendation that packaging for bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax such as Zometa, Aredia, and Actone immediately carry stern warnings about the potential for serious complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw.  Recent class action lawsuits contend that it took Merck almost a year to alter the packaging for Fosamax to warn people of the increased danger. 

Doctors wrote 22.4 million prescriptions for Fosamax in 2005, and each one of these people could potentially suffer the misery of osteonecrosis of the jaw.  If you or someone you know developed this devastating condition or another Fosamax side effect, you need to consult with a compassionate and experienced attorney immediately.  You may be able to take legal action against those responsible for your agonizing condition, and you could be entitled to a financial compensation package for your physical pain and emotional suffering. 
Contact a defective drug lawyer today.