The Food and Drug Administration has published an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine about the long-term use of Fosamax. The bone-building drug has recently come under fire following reports that it has caused a number of women to develop weaker bones and other serious health complications, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical thigh fractures, and esophageal cancer. In recent years, the number of Fosamax lawsuits and other injury claims blaming bisphosphonates has grown. While the FDA isn’t recommending against the long-term use of bisphosphonates, it has voiced concerns about the potential risks involved from taking this type of medication for too long.
To investigate further, the federal agency looked at data from women who had been taking bisphosphonates for six to 10 years. Its analysis found that there wasn’t a lot of benefit from taking bone-building drugs after three to five years. However, rather than make a recommendation about whether long-term use is wise or necessary, the FDA’s report noted that this decision should be determined on an individual basis based according to the risks and benefits for each patient.
In its report, The FDA did say that women who have a bone density that is close to normal or have a low fracture risk might be good candidates to stop using bisphosphonates after three to five years. The federal agency also reported that older patients with a bone density that is in the osteoporotic range and are considered high risk for developing fractures could benefit from continuing to take these medications over a longer period of time.
Our Boston injury lawyers represent clients with Massachusetts dangerous drug cases with products liability claims against manufacturers. Medications are supposed to help, not hurt a patient. Serious side effects should be more the exception than the norm.
FDA Still Cautious About Bone Drugs, ABC News, May 10, 2012
Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis – Where Do We Go from Here?, The New England Journal of Medicine, May 9, 2012
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Pradaxa Lawsuit Claims Drug’s Side Effects Caused Woman to Bleed to Death, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, April 30, 2012
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Aspirin Causes Some People More Harm than Good, Says Study, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, January 21, 2012
Contact Altman & Altman, LLP and ask to speak with an experienced Boston dangerous drug attorney today.