Fosamax (Alendronate) is a drug manufactured by Merck used to treat osteoporosis and other bone density problems in both men and women. It is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Since its approval in September 1995, it has fallen under scrutiny for actually causing damage to some bones with long term use.

Femur Fractures

In the past few years, numerous studies have shown an increased risk of femur fractures. The femur is supposed to be the strongest bone in the body, known to withstand force that other bones in your body do not. However, many people with a history of Fosamax use have experienced femur fractures while doing every day activities and with the application of little to no force at all.

In 2008, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery published a study reporting 13 women with low-trama fractures, including 9 who had been on long-term Fosamax therapy. According to the New York Times, Merck responded by saying it will study whether the unusual fracture pattern is really more common in bone-drug users. The FDA put pressure on Merck to do more, and Merck responded more than a year later by including the femur fractures as a potential side effect on the product label.

Another study was published in 2010 by the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research reporting on findings from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research task force. This study prompted the FDA to require Merck to add more substantial warnings to their labels. The FDA released a safety announcement to the public with the findings and wrote a letter to Merck requiring them to add specific warnings to both the prescribing information for physicians and the product information for patients.

In May 2011, it was decided that a multi-district litigation was appropriate to deal with the many femur fracture lawsuits that were being filed. The MDL is now being held in the District Court of New Jersey under District Court Judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr.

Contact Us

If you believe you have been injured as a result of taking Fosamax or another bisphosphonate drug, please contact us by filling out our online contact form, or call our office for a complementary consultation.

You will be able to speak with one of our professionals who will be happy to help you. We have been handling dangerous drug cases for over 27 years. GoldenbergLaw has the resources and expertise to hold Merck accountable for their negligence.