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Fosamax Risks

The drug Fosamax, manufactured by Merck, is currently the best selling drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. Over half of all women over the age of 50 have low bone density and are at risk of developing osteoporosis. There are no symptoms of osteoporosis, so it is important to talk to your doctor. Research has shown that Fosamax can reduce hip fractures by 63 percent. However, there are several risks associated with Fosamax and these should be discussed with your health care provider.

  1. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

    • Osteonecrosis of the jaw or ONJ is a condition where the tissue of the jaw bone dies and is unable to repair itself. ONJ, also known as "jawbone death," happens when the bone in the jaw fails to heal after trauma. This can result in pain, swelling of the soft-tissue, and infection. It can also lead to the loosening of teeth and exposed bone. The reason for this is not yet known. For people who do not currently have cancer or dental issues, this risk should not be a factor, as it rarely happens. If this is a concern, the American Dental Association recommends discussing this risk with your dentist.

    Esophageal Tumors

    • In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration issued a MedWatch alert about esophageal irritation, and then in 2004, the FDA and Novartis, the manufacturer of another bisphosphonate drug similar to Fosamax, issued a warning to health professionals regarding esophageal tumors and esophageal cancer. A brief report published in the New England Journal of Medicine explained since Fosamax has been on the market the agency has received reports that some patients have developed esophageal tumors. Merck has denied the possible link between Fosamax and esophageal tumors and/or cancer, citing data from controlled clinical trials.

    Atrial Fibrillation

    • A study by the University of Washington found that women who took Fosamax are almost twice as likely to develop atrial fibrillation, the most common kind of chronically irregular heartbeat. This is compared to a control group of women who have never taken the drug. Atrial fibrillation can cause dizziness, fatigue and fainting, but the condition is not life threatening. Merck, Fosamax's maker, and independent experts reviewed the evidence and concluded that a link with atrial fibrillation was "unlikely."

    Unusual Bone Fractures

    • Researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City report that long-term use of Fosamax is associated with unusual fractures, particularly of the thigh bone.The fractures were classified as low-energy fractures; that means that they occurred from a fall from standing height or less. In addition, the bone fractures were in an unusual horizontal pattern. There are several theories as to how Fosamax could be related to these fractures. One is that the drug can slow down the production of collagen; in addition, there is slower bone turnover in people who take the medication.

    Severe Bone, Joint and Muscle Pain

    • In 2008 the FDA warned doctors that severe bone, joint and muscle pain in patients taking bisphosphonates, including Fosamax, might be due to the drug. The FDA indicated that this could happen even in those patients who have been taking the drug for some time.

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