Consumer Alert: FOSAMAX® May Cause Osteonecrosis ("Jaw Death")

April 12, 2006

FOSAMAX® is a medicine in the bisphosphonates family that is prescribed widely to prevent bone loss or the decrease of bone density. It is commonly used by post-menopausal women. There have been reports that persons taking FOSAMAX® have developed a severe problem in which bone in their jaws dies. This “jaw death” (also referred to jaw necrosis or jaw decay) often appears after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction. According to press reports, the American Association of Endodontists recently released a position paper that cautions that many patients who take FOSAMAX® may be at risk this terrible complication. Other bisphosphonates such as Actonel may also be implicated. 

If you or someone you know has taken FOSAMAX® and has suffered jaw injuries, you may wish to contact us. Please call Tara Sutton at 612-349-8500 or e-mail us here: contact us.

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Disclaimer

Tara D. Sutton

Partner

Chair, National Mass Tort Group

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