Fosamax Side Effects

Fosamax Side Effects: Musculoskeletal Pain

In addition to being linked with jaw bone decay, also known as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), Fosamax can cause severe and sometimes incapacitating side effects including bone, joint, and muscle (musculoskeletal) pain. According to a health alert issued by the FDA in January of 2008, these Fosamax side effects can occur as early as days or as long as years after starting treatment with Fosamax.

Unfortunately, the risk factors for developing severe musculoskeletal pain as a Fosamax side effect are unknown. Additionally, the instances of this Fosamax side effect are also unknown. The FDA recommends that physicians consider instructing patients to discontinue Fosamax use when experiencing severe musculoskeletal pain. However, while some patients suffering from the side effect of severe musculoskeletal pain experience complete relief after discontinuing Fosamax use, some patients have reported that the side effect continued.

Fosamax Side Effects: Atrial Fibrillation

Another Fosamax side effect is an increased risk of developing the chronic heart condition known as atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when a problem with the heart’s electrical system causes the atria to quiver, or fibrillate. The quivering interrupts the normal rhythm between the atria and ventricles, which may cause the heart to beat fast and irregularly. This Fosamax side effect is dangerous because, if the heart does not beat strongly, blood can collect in the atria and possibly form clots, causing a stroke. Atrial fibrillation can also lead to other side effects, such as heart failure or heart attack

Fosamax Side Effects: Bone Necrosis

Disturbingly, although Merck markets Fosamax for the treatment of bone loss, Fosamax may actually cause bone weakness as a side effect in some patients. In fact, a recent study suggests that a side effect of Fosamax is bone necrosis, also known as bone death or bone loss. Fosamax has already been associated with a jaw bone decay condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ).

According to a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one doctor reported 15 incidents of unusual bone fractures in postmenopausal women who had been taking Fosamax for more than five years. Weakened bones are likely also a side effect of other bisphosphonates similar to Fosamax. These potentially dangerous bisphosphonates are sold under the brand names Boniva, Actonel, Zometa, and Aredia, to name a few.

Injured by Fosamax side effects? Contact our offices today to learn more about your legal rights and options.