Fosamax Litigation

Fosamax® (Alendronate Sodium) is a member of a class of drugs known as “bisphosphonates.” Manufactured by Merck & Co., Fosamax was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995, and is commonly used to treat patients with osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Fosamax and other bisphosphonates, including Aredia® and Zometa®, have been linked to a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, or ONJ, also known as “Dead Jaw” or “Jaw Death.” ONJ involves the breakdown or death of the jaw bone, frequently leading to infection or fractures and requiring long term care. This can result in areas of exposed bone inside the mouth and could lead to surgery to remove portions of the jaw bone. Following a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the FDA issued a warning to healthcare professionals in August 2004 regarding bisphosphonate therapy and its side effects.

The first Fosamax civil lawsuit is scheduled for trial in the federal MDL in August 2009, and it will be followed by additional trials in October 2009, and January 2010. The lawyers and staff at The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, are continuing to review potential cases for individuals who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw or other injuries caused by side effects of Fosamax.

There currently at least 600 Fosamax (jaw lawsuits) pending against Merck for individuals who have developed this painful and disfiguring condition. All of the federal cases have been consolidated in an MDL, or Multi-district Litigation, which is centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

If you or a loved one has used Fosamax and suffered side effects, please our law office for a free evaluation. Fosamax Information Links:

Fosamax Overview Page