What is Fosamax Prescribed For?

As the American population continues to age, a greater number of people will rely on prescription medications to combat conditions that occur with advanced age. Fosamax is one of these medications and over 10 million consumers have used the bisphosphonate drug since it was introduced in 1995.

When learning that the drug has recently been linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or Dead Jaw Syndrome, many Americans are now asking "What is Fosamax prescribed for?" The answer is that doctors mainly prescribe Fosamax to help manage conditions that cause bone damage, such as osteoporosis, post-menopausal bone loss in women, bone loss in men, Paget's disease, and some types of cancer.

While the use of Fosamax can be beneficial in some cases, it is also know to cause Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), a severe and painful condition that can result in the death of the jawbone and surrounding tissue. If you or someone you love developed ONJ or other severe side effect due to Fosamax, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your physical pain and your emotional suffering. Contact a dedicated and experienced defective drug attorney who can help you fight for what you deserve today.

Post Menopause Bone Loss

The process of menopause causes a chain reaction of events that can result in several serious and potentially fatal conditions. When women age, their bodies begin to produce less and less estrogen, which in turn causes the reproduction system to gradually shut down. Diminished estrogen production results in the reduction of bone mineral density, which makes bones brittle and more prone to fracture. Certain factors such as a history of osteoporosis, advanced age, European or Asian descent, and dementia can predispose women to osteoporosis.

Bone loss in Men

While osteoporosis generally strikes women over the age of 50, men can suffer from this debilitating condition as well. Almost 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will begin to lose bone mass density, although most doctors fail to properly diagnose the symptoms of osteoporosis in men. Bone loss in men can cause dangerous and potentially fatal fractures, breaks, and weakened bones.

Paget's Disease

Paget's disease, also known as osteitis deformans, is a chronic condition that usually causes enlarged and deformed bones. This disease causes bones to degenerate and break down, often resulting in arthritis, deformities, bone pain, and fractures. Paget's disease occurs between 1.5 to 8% of the population, and strikes men and women over the age of 40 equally. Many people who suffer from the disease do not realize it since they exhibit no external symptoms, or because their symptoms are confused with other conditions.

Other uses for Fosamax

Doctors have discovered several other uses for Fosamax. One of the most popular off label uses for Fosamax is to treat cancers that have spread into bone structures. Many types of cancer such as lung, breast, multiple myeloma, and prostrate cancers can spread into bones, where they can cause fractures and complicated breaks. Fosamax helps strengthen bone material so that it remains strong enough to maintain structural integrity if a tumor invades it and causes excess stress.