Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is manufactured by Merck and is likely linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone (ONJ). Fosamax received FDA approval in 1995. Fosamax is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are prescribed to treat osteoporosis, Paget's disease and advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bones. Over 40 million prescriptions for Fosamax have been written to date. Findings indicating a connection between Fosamax and other bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) was published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial.

Surgeons, and it prompted the US Food and Drug Administration and Merck to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004. In August 2004, the FDA asked Merck and other bisphosphonate manufacturers to change the drugs’ labels to adequately warn about the risk of ONJ. Merck did not actually change the Fosamax label for eleven months.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is a condition that prevents the jaw from healing after trauma. Instead of healing, the bone remains exposed and begins to decay. Surgery is often required to remove the diseased bone tissue. This deterioration often occurs when someone has a tooth extraction or they receive an injury to the jaw bone.

If you or a loved one have experienced complications caused by Fosamax, the lawyers of Carabin & Shaw will represent you on a contingency fee basis. That means that we guarantee that we will not charge you a fee unless we win your case. Call us or fill out for form on the right of your screen for a free case evaluation today.