Every year, more than 20 million prescriptions are written for Fosamax, the leading medication to treat several disease of the bone. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized Fosamax to be given to patients with Paget’s disease. However, there are some cases that doctors may prescribe Fosamax even without the FDA’s acknowledgement.

Fosamax is a biphosphonate class of drug that works by altering the bone cycle reducing bone breakdown eventually increasing bone mass. Health care providers have been accredited by the US FDA to order the drug , which is also known by its generic version alendronate sodium, as management of osteoporosis in both men and women and treatment for Paget’s disease. Furthermore, they also have the license to give the drug for non-FDA approved indications as long as he/she believes that it is the best treatment for your condition.

The act of giving the drug for an indication, dose, or form of administration that has not been recognized by the US FDA is regarded as an off-label use. Doctors have found out that Fosamax may be given to treat cancers that have affects the bone structures. Among these cancers are lung, breast, multiple myeloma and prostate cancers. Also, treatment for overdose in vitamin D and osteoporosis due to an injury in the spine are among the off-lable use of the drug.

The use of the drug for unauthorized indication, especially if not ordered by your physician, may yield unwanted problems to your health. Fosamax may cause severe side effects like ulcerations and bleeding in the esophagus and, sometimes, jaw bone death – osteonecrosis of the jaw. Recently, there have been increasing data suggesting that the long-term use of the drug may bring about an atypical form of femur fracture. 

Suffering an adverse event that Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, failed to acknowledge may be a valid ground for filing a Fosamax lawsuit. However, your suit might be compromised if you are taking the drug for an off-label use.