Fosamax Information

Published by Fosamax-information.com

What is alendronate or Fosamax®?

Alendronate, or Fosamax® is a compound that can alter the cycle of bone breakdown and formation in your body. Alendronate can also increase the formation of new bone. Alendronate, or Fosamax® is also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and to treat Paget's disease. Alendronate, or Fosamax® can also be used to treat osteoporosis that is caused by treatment with a corticosteroid. Fosamax® may also be used for other purposes not listed here. Alendronate, or Fosamax® is also combined with vitamin D, and marketed under the name Fosamax® plus D.

Talk to your doctor to decide if Fosamax® is right for you.

About Fosamax®

Manufactured by Merck & Co., Fosamax® is typically prescribed to post-menopausal women to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Fosamax® is frequently used in the management of advanced cancer. Unfortunately, this popular drug has been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare and serious condition that causes the jaw bone to rot and die.

With more than 22 million prescriptions in the last year alone, Fosamax® is an extremely popular medication belonging to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Because bisphosphonates are not metabolized by the body, however, the drug can persist in bone in high concentrations for months and sometimes years after the drug is stopped, putting patients at an increased risk for the development of ONJ.

Although the disease is also linked to other bisphosphonates, a recent FDA safety review found a much higher incidence of ONJ with Merck's Fosamax® than other leading medications in this drug class. An investigation has also revealed that Merck, the makers of another defective drug, Vioxx®, delayed updating the Fosamax® label to accurately inform consumers of the risk of developing ONJ.

How does Fosamax® work?

Fosamax® reduces the activity of the cells that can cause bone loss. Fosamax® also decreases the increased rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause.

Always consult a physician before taking any medication, including Fosamax®.

Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of Fosamax®

NOTICE: www.fosamax-information.com is solely to be used as an informational resource and should never be used to replace contact with your licensed healthcare provider. Always consult you physician before taking any medication, including Fosamax®.

What side effects can occur from Fosamax®?

Common Side effects of Fosamax® may include:bone and joint pain, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation

Less common side effects of Fosamax® include: Abdominal distention, acid backup, difficulty swallowing, esophageal ulcers, excessive gas, headache, stomach ulcers, and vomiting

Very rare side effects of Fosamax® may include: Changes in taste, esophageal blockage or perforation, eye pain, mouth sores, muscle cramps, rash, redness of the skin, swollen face and throat, hives, and inflammation of the stomach

Side effects are difficult to predict. Some side effects are normal, while other side effects are not. Always discuss any side effects you are experiencing while taking any prescription medication, including Fosamax®, with your doctor.

Alternative to Fosamax® - Actonel®

Actonel® is can be used as an alternative to Merck®'s Fosamax®. This alternative, Actonel® can be used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women, and Paget's disease.

The most common side effects of include: flu syndrome, chest pain, diarrhea, abdominal, pain,   nausea, constipation, swelling, joint pain, headache, dizziness, and rash. These are just some of the side effects you may experience while taking Actonel®. Discuss these side effects along with any other side effects you may experience while taking Actonel®.

Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication, including Fosamax® and Actonel®.

Why is Fosamax® prescribed?

Fosamax® is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.

Who should avoid Fosamax®?

Patients with Certain disorders of the esophagus, who have inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30, low levels of calcium in their blood, severe kidney disease, or patients who are allergic to Fosamax®, should all avoid taking Fosamax®.

You should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including Fosamax®.

What is ONJ or Osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition where the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma. This can cause the bone to be exposed. This exposure can eventually lead to an infection and fracture. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) can later require surgery to correct this problem. Prevention and treatment is essential in protecting the jawbone from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Individuals using Fosamax® or other bisphosphonates might consider avoiding tooth extractions and other dental work while on the drugs, since a minor trauma could cause Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

The risk of a “healthy” person developing Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is remote; the estimate from the maker of Fosamax®, Merck®, is less than one out of 100,000 patients per year.

ONJ can cause severe infections and symptoms may include:

Facial pain

Numbness or altered sensation

Gum swelling

Drainage

Tooth loss

Poor healing of the gums

To diagnose osteonecrosis of the jaw, doctors may use X-rays or tests for infection. Treatments for osteonecrosis of the jaw may include long-term antibiotic use, oral rinses, and removable mouth appliances. Minor dental work may be necessary to remove injured tissue and reduce sharp edges of the bone, but more invasive surgery is typically avoided because it may make the condition worse. Unfortunately for Fosamax® injury victims, ONJ is extremely resistant to even the most aggressive treatments.