In order to balance the loss of bone density caused by disease, aging, or osteoporosis, many doctors prescribe a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. These medications are commonly marketed as Fosamax, Aredia, Zometa, Boniva and Actonel. The most common recipients of these types of drugs are women in their late 40's and older who have reached menopause and have begun to experience loss of bone density due to the aging process. In addition, some chemotherapy treatments for cancer that has advanced into the bones include bisphosphonates.

Use of these medications has recently been linked to cases of jaw bone decay or osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ or "dead jaw" is a rare bone disease in which the jaw bone deteriorates and dies. To repair jaw bone damage, a painful surgery is required to remove dying bone tissue. Side effects include jaw pain, numbness, exposed oral bones, loss of teeth, and infection.

The discovery of this link, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, prompted both the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and Novartis, the manufacturer of bisphosphonates used in cancer chemotherapy, to issue a warning letter or alert on September 24, 2004 containing information about bisphosphonates and alerting health care professionals to the dangers and risks of osteonecrosis of the jaw. There has not been a recall and the drugs have not been withdrawn from the market.

Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients have reported bone death in their jaws after taking one of these medications to prevent or treat bone loss. Most of these patients were taking potent, intravenously delivered forms of the drugs. However patients taking the pill form have experienced ONJ as well. In many cases, those patients who were taking the drugs in pill form have suffered from such debilitating pain that they have become bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.

If you think you or a loved one may have suffered an injury or damages as a result of taking Fosamax or other bisphosphonates, you owe it to yourself to speak to an experienced pharmaceutical attorney to see if you have a case and to discuss the possibility of bringing a lawsuit to recover for your damages and injuries. The attorney will be able to ascertain if you have a claim for which a lawsuit can be pursued and whether the case and lawsuit can be brought to a successful settlement, verdict, award or other recovery, and the experienced lawyer will be able to advise you on any deadlines for bringing your legal claim for damages.

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