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Fosamax
Fosamax is a bisphosphonate manufactured by Merck and used to treat osteoporosis and decreased bone density in postmenopausal women. The drug has been shown to cause osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw, or “dead jaw.” Osteonecrosis is a slow death of bone tissue that occurs because of poor blood supply to the bone. The deterioration is painful and often characterized by mouth swelling, loosening of teeth and exposed bone. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy, taken Fosamax intravenously, have a history of cancer, Paget’s disease or osteoporosis, use steroids while on Fosamax or have a history of major dental work are at an increased risk for ONJ. Other side effects include a risk of severe stomach ulcers when used in conjunction with Naproxin.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Fosamax |
| Generic: | Sodium alendronate |
| Manufacturer: | Merck & Co. |
| Date approved: | 2001 |
| Status: | Prescription only |
| Approved uses: | Osteoporosis prevention and treatment |
| Off-Label uses: | N/A |
| Side effects: | Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw ("dead jaw syndrome"), esophageal disorders, bone pain and swelling |
| Related topics: | Unsafe drugs, Vioxx, bisphosphonates |
Alendronate (Fosamax) Risks Alarm Doctors
With recent allegations that mega-pharmaceutical corporation Merck's second best-selling drug, Fosamax and Fosamax D, causes bone death (osteonecrosis) of the jaw, the effectiveness... read more
Fosamax and Men - Risks and Warnings
With the recent bombshell that Fosamax , Merck & Co.'s second best-selling drug, causes bone death (also known as osteonecrosis [ONJ] or dead jaw syndrome ) of the... read more
View the Fosamax Main Articles page here
FDA Information Related to Fosamax
FDA Approves Updated Warfarin (Coumadin) Prescribing Information
Information on Bisphosphonates
View the Fosamax FDA Information page here
Government Articles Related to Fosamax
SUMMARY OF SAFETY-RELATED DRUG LABELING CHANGES APPROVED BY FDA, April 1997
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MSN Newsfeeds Related to Fosamax
FDA Approves Generic Versions Of Fosamax
Three generic versions of Fosamax now offered to osteoporosis patients
View the Fosamax MSN Newsfeeds page here
News Articles Related to Fosamax
Fosamax, Merck's other drug problem
Merck moves to overturn Teva win in weekly Fosamax case
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Patents Related to Fosamax
Method for inhibiting bone resorption
View the Fosamax Patents page here
Useful Web Sites Related to Fosamax
Anapol Schwartz, Fosamax Attorneys
The Wikipedia Alendronate Page
View the Fosamax Useful Web Sites page here
Wikipedia Entries Related to Fosamax
View the Fosamax Wikipedia Entries page here
Books Related to Fosamax
Fosamax: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References
Functionalized bisphosphonate extractants: A structure-property relationship study
View the Fosamax Books page here
