Fosamax - Just The Facts

FOSAMAX Just the Facts Fosamax was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 to help treat osteoporosis. Recent studies show that Fosamax might cause brittle bones that are more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in women. Learn the facts about Fosamax now. Fosamax is prescribed... to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause, by helping to reduce the chance of hip or spinal fracture (break). to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroid medicines. to treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of bone. Source: U.S. FDA Dosage Forms Fosamax solution 75ml Fosamax tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg Side Effects The most common side effects of Fosamax are: Stomach area (abdominal) pain Heartburn Diarrhea Constipation Upset stomach Pain in bones, joints, and/or muscles Nausea Source: U.S. FDA Fosamax can cause other serious side effects, including: Esophagus problems Those taking Fosamax might develop problems in the esophagus, including Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) The FDA recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist about the possibility irritation, inflammation, and ulceration. that Fosamax can cause bone death of the mandible. Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) Unusual thigh bone fractures Those who take Fosamax might Fosamax might lower calcium levels in a person's blood, especially those who already have hypocalcemia. develop atypical fractures in their thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture include unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh. Fosamax Studies STUDY 1: In February 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted a study in which doctors surveyed 200,000 long-term female bisphosphonate users over age 68. The researchers determined that Fosamax users are three times as likely to suffer a bone break after using the drug for a five-year period because bisphosphonates make bones brittle even as the drugs harden them. STUDY 2: On May 5, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reinforced these findings. This new study, conducted in Sweden, surveyed 12,777 women over the age of 58 who suffered any kind of femur fracture in 2008. The researchers then narrowed their focus to only those whose fractures resembled the atypical ones reported by bisphosphonate users. Of that group, 78% had been taking bisphosphonates, as opposed to only 10% of the control group, whose femur fractures were typical. The study showed that Fosamax use increased the likelihood of an atypical femur fracture by 47.3 times. Fortunately, ceasing use or going on a "drug holiday" reduced the risk of a bone break by 70% per year since the last use. 1995 Fosamax approved by FDA. 2003 FDA begins to receive reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from users of bisphosphonate drugs. 2003 Fosamax listed as the 19th-most-prescribed medication in the United States. 2004 FDA issues a Post Marketing Safety Report requiring product labeling for bisphosphonates to reflect risk of ONJ. 2005 Fosamax manufacturer Merck complies with FDA rule and changes Fosamax label. 2005 Fosamax averages sales of more than $3 billion a year for Merck. 2006 National class action filed against Merck, alleging company failed to warn consumers that Fosamax causes ONJ. 2007 Doctors have written 20 million Rs for Fosamax. 2007 The FDA undertook a review of safety data to address concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with bisphosphonates. 2008 Merck's Fosamax patent expires. 2008 Journal of Rheumatology publishes a study concluding that bisphosphonate use increases a patient's risk of developing bone necrosis nearly threefold. 2008 Another study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reveals evidence that those prescribed Fosamax suffer a high rate of abnormal breaks in the thigh bone after falls from standing height or less. Two-thirds of women in the study who suffered these broken bones had been taking Fosamax for osteoporosis treatment for an average of more than seven years. FOSAMAX Just the Facts Fosamax was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 to help treat osteoporosis. Recent studies show that Fosamax might cause brittle bones that are more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in women. Learn the facts about Fosamax now. Fosamax is prescribed... to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause, by helping to reduce the chance of hip or spinal fracture (break). to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroid medicines. to treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of bone. Source: U.S. FDA Dosage Forms Fosamax solution 75ml Fosamax tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg Side Effects The most common side effects of Fosamax are: Stomach area (abdominal) pain Heartburn Diarrhea Constipation Upset stomach Pain in bones, joints, and/or muscles Nausea Source: U.S. FDA Fosamax can cause other serious side effects, including: Esophagus problems Those taking Fosamax might develop problems in the esophagus, including Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) The FDA recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist about the possibility irritation, inflammation, and ulceration. that Fosamax can cause bone death of the mandible. Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) Unusual thigh bone fractures Those who take Fosamax might Fosamax might lower calcium levels in a person's blood, especially those who already have hypocalcemia. develop atypical fractures in their thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture include unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh. Fosamax Studies STUDY 1: In February 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted a study in which doctors surveyed 200,000 long-term female bisphosphonate users over age 68. The researchers determined that Fosamax users are three times as likely to suffer a bone break after using the drug for a five-year period because bisphosphonates make bones brittle even as the drugs harden them. STUDY 2: On May 5, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reinforced these findings. This new study, conducted in Sweden, surveyed 12,777 women over the age of 58 who suffered any kind of femur fracture in 2008. The researchers then narrowed their focus to only those whose fractures resembled the atypical ones reported by bisphosphonate users. Of that group, 78% had been taking bisphosphonates, as opposed to only 10% of the control group, whose femur fractures were typical. The study showed that Fosamax use increased the likelihood of an atypical femur fracture by 47.3 times. Fortunately, ceasing use or going on a "drug holiday" reduced the risk of a bone break by 70% per year since the last use. 1995 Fosamax approved by FDA. 2003 FDA begins to receive reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from users of bisphosphonate drugs. 2003 Fosamax listed as the 19th-most-prescribed medication in the United States. 2004 FDA issues a Post Marketing Safety Report requiring product labeling for bisphosphonates to reflect risk of ONJ. 2005 Fosamax manufacturer Merck complies with FDA rule and changes Fosamax label. 2005 Fosamax averages sales of more than $3 billion a year for Merck. 2006 National class action filed against Merck, alleging company failed to warn consumers that Fosamax causes ONJ. 2007 Doctors have written 20 million Rs for Fosamax. 2007 The FDA undertook a review of safety data to address concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with bisphosphonates. 2008 Merck's Fosamax patent expires. 2008 Journal of Rheumatology publishes a study concluding that bisphosphonate use increases a patient's risk of developing bone necrosis nearly threefold. 2008 Another study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reveals evidence that those prescribed Fosamax suffer a high rate of abnormal breaks in the thigh bone after falls from standing height or less. Two-thirds of women in the study who suffered these broken bones had been taking Fosamax for osteoporosis treatment for an average of more than seven years. FOSAMAX Just the Facts Fosamax was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 to help treat osteoporosis. Recent studies show that Fosamax might cause brittle bones that are more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in women. Learn the facts about Fosamax now. Fosamax is prescribed... to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause, by helping to reduce the chance of hip or spinal fracture (break). to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroid medicines. to treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of bone. Source: U.S. FDA Dosage Forms Fosamax solution 75ml Fosamax tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg Side Effects The most common side effects of Fosamax are: Stomach area (abdominal) pain Heartburn Diarrhea Constipation Upset stomach Pain in bones, joints, and/or muscles Nausea Source: U.S. FDA Fosamax can cause other serious side effects, including: Esophagus problems Those taking Fosamax might develop problems in the esophagus, including Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) The FDA recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist about the possibility irritation, inflammation, and ulceration. that Fosamax can cause bone death of the mandible. Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) Unusual thigh bone fractures Those who take Fosamax might Fosamax might lower calcium levels in a person's blood, especially those who already have hypocalcemia. develop atypical fractures in their thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture include unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh. Fosamax Studies STUDY 1: In February 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted a study in which doctors surveyed 200,000 long-term female bisphosphonate users over age 68. The researchers determined that Fosamax users are three times as likely to suffer a bone break after using the drug for a five-year period because bisphosphonates make bones brittle even as the drugs harden them. STUDY 2: On May 5, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reinforced these findings. This new study, conducted in Sweden, surveyed 12,777 women over the age of 58 who suffered any kind of femur fracture in 2008. The researchers then narrowed their focus to only those whose fractures resembled the atypical ones reported by bisphosphonate users. Of that group, 78% had been taking bisphosphonates, as opposed to only 10% of the control group, whose femur fractures were typical. The study showed that Fosamax use increased the likelihood of an atypical femur fracture by 47.3 times. Fortunately, ceasing use or going on a "drug holiday" reduced the risk of a bone break by 70% per year since the last use. 1995 Fosamax approved by FDA. 2003 FDA begins to receive reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from users of bisphosphonate drugs. 2003 Fosamax listed as the 19th-most-prescribed medication in the United States. 2004 FDA issues a Post Marketing Safety Report requiring product labeling for bisphosphonates to reflect risk of ONJ. 2005 Fosamax manufacturer Merck complies with FDA rule and changes Fosamax label. 2005 Fosamax averages sales of more than $3 billion a year for Merck. 2006 National class action filed against Merck, alleging company failed to warn consumers that Fosamax causes ONJ. 2007 Doctors have written 20 million Rs for Fosamax. 2007 The FDA undertook a review of safety data to address concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with bisphosphonates. 2008 Merck's Fosamax patent expires. 2008 Journal of Rheumatology publishes a study concluding that bisphosphonate use increases a patient's risk of developing bone necrosis nearly threefold. 2008 Another study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reveals evidence that those prescribed Fosamax suffer a high rate of abnormal breaks in the thigh bone after falls from standing height or less. Two-thirds of women in the study who suffered these broken bones had been taking Fosamax for osteoporosis treatment for an average of more than seven years. FOSAMAX Just the Facts Fosamax was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 to help treat osteoporosis. Recent studies show that Fosamax might cause brittle bones that are more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in women. Learn the facts about Fosamax now. Fosamax is prescribed... to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause, by helping to reduce the chance of hip or spinal fracture (break). to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroid medicines. to treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of bone. Source: U.S. FDA Dosage Forms Fosamax solution 75ml Fosamax tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg Side Effects The most common side effects of Fosamax are: Stomach area (abdominal) pain Heartburn Diarrhea Constipation Upset stomach Pain in bones, joints, and/or muscles Nausea Source: U.S. FDA Fosamax can cause other serious side effects, including: Esophagus problems Those taking Fosamax might develop problems in the esophagus, including Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) The FDA recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist about the possibility irritation, inflammation, and ulceration. that Fosamax can cause bone death of the mandible. Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) Unusual thigh bone fractures Those who take Fosamax might Fosamax might lower calcium levels in a person's blood, especially those who already have hypocalcemia. develop atypical fractures in their thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture include unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh. Fosamax Studies STUDY 1: In February 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted a study in which doctors surveyed 200,000 long-term female bisphosphonate users over age 68. The researchers determined that Fosamax users are three times as likely to suffer a bone break after using the drug for a five-year period because bisphosphonates make bones brittle even as the drugs harden them. STUDY 2: On May 5, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reinforced these findings. This new study, conducted in Sweden, surveyed 12,777 women over the age of 58 who suffered any kind of femur fracture in 2008. The researchers then narrowed their focus to only those whose fractures resembled the atypical ones reported by bisphosphonate users. Of that group, 78% had been taking bisphosphonates, as opposed to only 10% of the control group, whose femur fractures were typical. The study showed that Fosamax use increased the likelihood of an atypical femur fracture by 47.3 times. Fortunately, ceasing use or going on a "drug holiday" reduced the risk of a bone break by 70% per year since the last use. 1995 Fosamax approved by FDA. 2003 FDA begins to receive reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from users of bisphosphonate drugs. 2003 Fosamax listed as the 19th-most-prescribed medication in the United States. 2004 FDA issues a Post Marketing Safety Report requiring product labeling for bisphosphonates to reflect risk of ONJ. 2005 Fosamax manufacturer Merck complies with FDA rule and changes Fosamax label. 2005 Fosamax averages sales of more than $3 billion a year for Merck. 2006 National class action filed against Merck, alleging company failed to warn consumers that Fosamax causes ONJ. 2007 Doctors have written 20 million Rs for Fosamax. 2007 The FDA undertook a review of safety data to address concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with bisphosphonates. 2008 Merck's Fosamax patent expires. 2008 Journal of Rheumatology publishes a study concluding that bisphosphonate use increases a patient's risk of developing bone necrosis nearly threefold. 2008 Another study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reveals evidence that those prescribed Fosamax suffer a high rate of abnormal breaks in the thigh bone after falls from standing height or less. Two-thirds of women in the study who suffered these broken bones had been taking Fosamax for osteoporosis treatment for an average of more than seven years. FOSAMAX Just the Facts Fosamax was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1995 to help treat osteoporosis. Recent studies show that Fosamax might cause brittle bones that are more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in women. Learn the facts about Fosamax now. Fosamax is prescribed... to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause, by helping to reduce the chance of hip or spinal fracture (break). to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroid medicines. to treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of bone. Source: U.S. FDA Dosage Forms Fosamax solution 75ml Fosamax tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg Side Effects The most common side effects of Fosamax are: Stomach area (abdominal) pain Heartburn Diarrhea Constipation Upset stomach Pain in bones, joints, and/or muscles Nausea Source: U.S. FDA Fosamax can cause other serious side effects, including: Esophagus problems Those taking Fosamax might develop problems in the esophagus, including Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) The FDA recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist about the possibility irritation, inflammation, and ulceration. that Fosamax can cause bone death of the mandible. Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) Unusual thigh bone fractures Those who take Fosamax might Fosamax might lower calcium levels in a person's blood, especially those who already have hypocalcemia. develop atypical fractures in their thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture include unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh. Fosamax Studies STUDY 1: In February 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted a study in which doctors surveyed 200,000 long-term female bisphosphonate users over age 68. The researchers determined that Fosamax users are three times as likely to suffer a bone break after using the drug for a five-year period because bisphosphonates make bones brittle even as the drugs harden them. STUDY 2: On May 5, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reinforced these findings. This new study, conducted in Sweden, surveyed 12,777 women over the age of 58 who suffered any kind of femur fracture in 2008. The researchers then narrowed their focus to only those whose fractures resembled the atypical ones reported by bisphosphonate users. Of that group, 78% had been taking bisphosphonates, as opposed to only 10% of the control group, whose femur fractures were typical. The study showed that Fosamax use increased the likelihood of an atypical femur fracture by 47.3 times. Fortunately, ceasing use or going on a "drug holiday" reduced the risk of a bone break by 70% per year since the last use. 1995 Fosamax approved by FDA. 2003 FDA begins to receive reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from users of bisphosphonate drugs. 2003 Fosamax listed as the 19th-most-prescribed medication in the United States. 2004 FDA issues a Post Marketing Safety Report requiring product labeling for bisphosphonates to reflect risk of ONJ. 2005 Fosamax manufacturer Merck complies with FDA rule and changes Fosamax label. 2005 Fosamax averages sales of more than $3 billion a year for Merck. 2006 National class action filed against Merck, alleging company failed to warn consumers that Fosamax causes ONJ. 2007 Doctors have written 20 million Rs for Fosamax. 2007 The FDA undertook a review of safety data to address concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with bisphosphonates. 2008 Merck's Fosamax patent expires. 2008 Journal of Rheumatology publishes a study concluding that bisphosphonate use increases a patient's risk of developing bone necrosis nearly threefold. 2008 Another study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reveals evidence that those prescribed Fosamax suffer a high rate of abnormal breaks in the thigh bone after falls from standing height or less. Two-thirds of women in the study who suffered these broken bones had been taking Fosamax for osteoporosis treatment for an average of more than seven years.