FOSAMAX® is the brand name of the drug Alendronate. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Bisphosphonates and has been approved for the treatment of Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women who are losing bone density. They have also been used for nearly 15 years in men and women who have cancer.
A connection has been discovered between Bisphosphonates and a serious bone condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw ("ONJ"). This finding published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons showed that the side effects of Fosamax® may include ONJ, a condition commonly called "Dead Jaw".
ONJ is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed, can lead to fractures and infections, often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Symptoms of "Dead Jaw" include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation. ONJ also causes loosening of teeth.
The highest risk factors for ONJ are:
1) taking Bisphosphonates, especially in intravenous (IV) form;
2) concurrent use of steroids;
3) previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease;
4) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.
If you suffer have suffered from ONJ, Jaw Death or bone death as a result of taking Fosamax®, you may be eligible to file a claim against the drug manufacturer.
July 11, 2007 - Fosamax Update
Cuming Gillespie & Raymaker is working in conjunction with Roy Elliot Kim O'Connor of Toronto, Ontario with respect to these claims. Our counsel group is aligned with Tim O'Brien of Levin Papantonio Law Firm at 316 South Baylen Street, Suite 100, Pensacola, Florida and Mike Ryan of Krupnick Law at 700 S.E. Third Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, together with their respective multi-district litigation groups in the United States of America.
Cuming Gillespie & Raymaker is currently seeking new Fosamax claimants who have suffered osteonecrosis of the jaw. Please contact James Cuming at Cuming Gillespie & Raymaker for further information.
For further information, contact:
Cuming Gillespie & Raymaker
Barristers & Solicitors
1500, 635 -8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3M3
Telephone: 403-571-0555
Toll Free: 1-800-682-2480
Fax: 403-232-8818
E-mail:pcampoili@mcnallycuming.com
Submit a request online for possible inclusion to the Fosamax® class action claim.