When Dealing With Fosamax: The Drug and Its Side Effects

With over 37 million prescriptions written by the year 2008, Fosamax is one of the most widely given drugs. Recently, on the other hand, more evidences are reported linking the long-term use of drug to a certain type of femur fracture putting the drug’s name, as well as its manufacturer Merck’s shambles.

Fosamax, alendronate in its generic version, is a member of biphosphonate class of medicine that works in the body by changing the cycle of bone formation. The method of action reduces bone loss at the same time improving bone mass, which helps prevent bone fracture.

Fosamax is the prescribed treatment or prevention for osteoporosis that is caused by menopause or by steroid intake in both men and women. This drug is also a prescribed treatment for Paget’s disease of the bone, a condition where the bones are weak and misshapen, in both men and women and osteopenia in which bone mineral density is poor.

Oftentimes, Fosamax therapy has some issues with drug to drug interaction. Presently, the likelihood of other medications contributing to the Fosamax femur fractures are taken into huge consideration.

Besides the anticipated effects, Fosamax intake may also cause unintended or side effects to the body of which some are positive otherwise less favorable. However, off-label use of the drug should not be practiced because of the serious effects of the drug to the body.

Fosamax Side Effects
You need to consult your doctor if any of these less serious side effects persist or become bothersome during your Fosamax therapy:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating or feeling full, mild heartburn
• Dizziness, headache, eye pain
• Mild back, muscle, or joint pain
• Mild nausea, vomiting or stomach pain

Hold therapy and immediately seek medical attention if any of the following serious effects are felt:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain
• Difficulty (dysphagia) or painful (odynophagia) swallowing
• Pain or burning sensation under the ribs or in the back
• Severe heart burn, burning epigastric (upper stomach) pain, or coughing of blood
• New or worsening heartburn
• Fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms
• Severe musculoskeletal pain
• New or unusual pain in your thigh or hip
• Jaw pain, numbness or swelling.

Undergoing Fosamax therapy should only be done with your doctor’s order and after obtaining complete information including the period of therapy to prevent adverse events like femur fractures. If you or someone you know sustained a fracture due to long-term Fosamax intake, you might be entitled for a rightful compensation when you file a Fosamax Femur Lawsuit. Youi’ll be given more information and a free consultation from an adept Fosamax lawyer.