Fosamax is one of the most frequently prescribed bisphosphonate in the United States, with more that 37 million of written prescriptions by the year 2008. However, this no longer holds true to this day due to the many adverse events that has been reported which springs from its use. It has been widely reported that osteonecrosis of the jaw symptoms such as pain, loose teeth, swelling, drainage, jaw numbness, prolonged infection and exposed bone have a causative link to the use of the bisphosphonate drug. Then, there is also the issue of lawsuits being filed against the manufacturer of the drug. And results show that Merck is winning these Fosamax lawsuits.

Fosamax, is likewise known for its generic name alendronate sodium. It belongs to the bisphosphonates group of medicine. It may be taken orally or intravenously. These types of medicines interfere in the bone cycle formation process. The drug functions by slowing down bone loss thereby increasing naturally the bone mass. This process aids in the prevention of bone fracture. Fosamax may be prescribed to both men and women for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is given to women who suffered from osteoporosis due to menopause and to men, due to the use of steroids. The drug is also prescribed to patients who suffer from Paget’s disease, a disease in the bone characterized by brittle and malformed bones. People with osteopenia where the patient suffers from low bone mineral density are also prescribed with this drug.

As early as 2003, there have been reports linking osteonecrosis in the jaw (ONJ) to bisphosphonates. Osteonecrosis or “death of the bone” in the jaw is a dental condition in which the bone in the lower jaw or upper jaw is exposed following a dental extraction or other trauma to the jaw. The wound in the area does not heal normally giving rise to infections. Most reported cases of ONJ involved people with bone cancer who had been given bisphosphonates intravenously while undergoing chemotheraphy.

Aside from ONJ, a number of fosamax side effects have been reported such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, mild heartburn, dizziness, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, stomachache, mild nausea and vomiting. However, up to this date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not shown a clear connection between bisphosphonate use and the risk of bone related diseases such as ONJ. The FDA is still working with outside experts in cooperation with the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Task Force to gather and collate information that would settle the issues associating fosamax to ONJ and femur fractures.