Fosamax, Actonel & Boniva: Fall 2010 Report Links Drugs To Thigh Bone Injuries

Popular bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis – such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva – have been linked to increased risks of thigh bone injuries according to a new report published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. In fact, nearly 94% of patients who experienced a thigh bone injury had been taking a bisphosphonate drug at the time.

New Study Shows Increase In Fosamax Injuries / Actonel Injuries / Boniva Injuries

Fosamax, manufactured by Merck & Company, has long been associated with increased risks of osteocronosis of the jaw (ONJ) – also known as jaw death. However, the results of a new study by researchers at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Task Force found that 291 of the 310 patients (94%) in the study who experienced a thigh bone, or femur, injury, had been taking a bisphosphonate drug such as Fosamax, Sanofi Aventis / Warner Chilcott’s Bovina or Roche Holding / GlaxoSmithKline’s Boniva. These drugs are sold generically under the chemical name alendronate.

The task force has urged the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to rewrite the labels of these drugs to warn doctors and patients about the atypical femur fractures. The FDA is considering the task force’s results and will soon decide whether a label change will occur.

Fosamax Lawsuits / Actonel Lawsuits / Boniva Lawsuits

Fosamax lawsuits, Actonel lawsuits and Boniva lawsuits already filed against the manufacturers allege that the manufacturers knew about these increased risks and side effects, or should have known about them, and failed to warn consumers. If you’ve been injured by one of these potentially dangerous bisphosphonate drugs, contact an experienced Fosamax attorney as you may be entitled to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Case Studies: Bisphosphonate Drugs and Thigh Bone Injuries

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Struggle With Fosamax

Sarah, a 65-year-old woman diagnosed with osteoporosis, had been taking Fosamax for several years to strengthen her bones. However, she experienced a sudden and severe pain in her left thigh, which turned out to be a femur fracture. Further investigation revealed that Fosamax, the bisphosphonate drug she had been prescribed, may have contributed to the atypical fracture. Sarah filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, alleging negligence and failure to warn about the potential risks associated with the medication.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Actonel-Related Injury

Mark, a 57-year-old man with a history of osteoporosis, had been regularly taking Actonel as prescribed by his doctor. Despite his efforts to improve his bone health, he suffered an unexpected femur fracture while walking. Medical examinations linked the fracture to his long-term use of Actonel, suggesting a potential connection between the drug and the injury.

Mark decided to pursue legal action against the pharmaceutical company responsible for manufacturing Actonel, seeking compensation for his medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Case Study 3: Emily’s Boniva-Related Complication

Emily, a 70-year-old woman, had been taking Boniva for three years to manage her osteoporosis. One day, she experienced excruciating pain in her right thigh and was later diagnosed with a femur fracture. The fracture was classified as an atypical fracture associated with long-term bisphosphonate use. Emily contacted a lawyer to explore her legal options, believing that the manufacturer of Boniva failed to provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks of such fractures.