Fosamax Femur Fracture Problems Lead to Lawsuits Nationwide
Fosamax Femur Fractures Photo
Fosamax (alendronate sodium), a member of a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, is manufactured and distributed by Merck & Co., which gained approval to sell the osteoporosis medication in 1995. By the time the company’s patent for Fosamax expired in 2008, the drug had become its third-biggest product, with annual sales of around $3 billion. But despite its success and effectiveness at treating degenerative bone diseases, Fosamax has been linked to a rare type of thigh bone break that has prompted some users to file lawsuits against Merck.
Side Effects of Fosamax
There are a number of adverse effects associated with the medication, ranging from mild to severe. Nausea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, obstipation, and ulceration are some of the more minor Fosamax side effects.
Fosamax Fractures Lead to FDA Warning
Of greater concern, however, are reports that link Fosamax to abnormal femur fractures that can occur after falls from standing height or less. To date, no less than three studies have been published that establish a connection between Fosamax and so-called “low energy” thigh bone breaks. Upon reviewing some of this research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to update the product labeling of bisphosphonate drugs to include Fosamax fracture warnings.
Filing a Fosamax Lawsuit
The evidence linking Fosamax to low or no impact femur fractures has lead to at least 100 people filing lawsuits against Merck. Anyone considering doing the same should understand that, at the very least, they must have suffered an abnormal thigh bone break that has been diagnosed by a doctor. Once this crucial first requirement has been met, a prospective plaintiff can take the next steps for filing a Fosamax lawsuit.
Potential Fosamax Lawsuit Compensation
None of the Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits have yet gone to trial, so it is difficult to forecast how much compensation they might yield. A number of lawsuits related to Fosamax jaw bone injuries have gone to trial, however, with one plaintiff recovering $8 million. And by understanding how damages caused by dangerous products are assessed, one can reach a better understanding of the value of a potential Fosamax lawsuit settlement.
For Advice and Legal Help, Contact a Fosamax Lawyer
You probably have many questions about how to proceed with a claim against Merck & Co. The idea of a lawsuit can be daunting, especially if you are already dealing with injuries. To simplify the process of holding Merck accountable, your interests are best served by speaking with an experienced Fosamax fracture lawyer.
