The Effects of Fosamax on the Bones
Posted by Ronald K. Redman on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Under: Health and Law
Since recent past Fosamax or alendronate sodium has been getting bad
news putting the drug’s and its manufacturer’s name in an awful shape. A
number of people are taking legal actions against Merck, the maker of
Fosamax; nonetheless, it is necessary to note that there are criteria for a Fosamax lawsuit
to consider before a case evaluation. It is imperative that we know how
Fosamax works in the body so that we will better understand why adverse
events happen when taking this drug.
Fosamax is one of the drugs in the class called bisphosphonate which works makes the bones stronger. This class of drugs help prevent the loss of bone mass. They are the first line of treatment for bone diseases like osteoporosis in both men and women, and Paget’s disease.
Although it looks static, our bone tissues constantly undergo the process called bone remodeling cycle, also known as bone cycle or bone metabolism, throughout our lifespan. It consists with bone resorption, osteoclastic reversal and bone formation. Typically, bone cycle in human runs about 3-6 months.
In the bone resorption phase, a type of bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone tissues and release minerals like calcium into the blood. Moreover, osteoclastic reversal is the phase when the resorption process shifts to formative process. Finally, the bone formation is marked by the growth and development of new bone tissues.
Bisphosphonates interfere with the bone metabolism by reducing bone breakdown thereby slowing down bone loss. Slowing the rate of bone thinning in people with osteoporosis helps reduce the risk of bone fracture. Ultimately, the goal of treating osteoporosis is to avoid the incidence of bone fractures.
Yet, there are now increasing proof that Fosamax and its generic alendronate, as well as other bisphosphonates, may adversely yield a certain fracture of the femur after taking the drug for more than five years. There were some worries that using bisphosphonates for a very long time would end up in an over-supression of bone resorption. Additionally, it is believed that minute cracks in the bone that were not able to heal well eventually mount up and cause this king of fracture.
For now, the ultimate goal, which is to prevent the occurrence of fracture, still overcomes this adverse event that is somewhat deemed rare. In response to these reports, many doctors have changed their prescription lengths of Fosamax to not more than 3 years. Many of those who have suffered this thigh bone fractured are considering a Fosamax lawsuit against Merck, the maker of Fosamax.
Fosamax is one of the drugs in the class called bisphosphonate which works makes the bones stronger. This class of drugs help prevent the loss of bone mass. They are the first line of treatment for bone diseases like osteoporosis in both men and women, and Paget’s disease.
Although it looks static, our bone tissues constantly undergo the process called bone remodeling cycle, also known as bone cycle or bone metabolism, throughout our lifespan. It consists with bone resorption, osteoclastic reversal and bone formation. Typically, bone cycle in human runs about 3-6 months.
In the bone resorption phase, a type of bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone tissues and release minerals like calcium into the blood. Moreover, osteoclastic reversal is the phase when the resorption process shifts to formative process. Finally, the bone formation is marked by the growth and development of new bone tissues.
Bisphosphonates interfere with the bone metabolism by reducing bone breakdown thereby slowing down bone loss. Slowing the rate of bone thinning in people with osteoporosis helps reduce the risk of bone fracture. Ultimately, the goal of treating osteoporosis is to avoid the incidence of bone fractures.
Yet, there are now increasing proof that Fosamax and its generic alendronate, as well as other bisphosphonates, may adversely yield a certain fracture of the femur after taking the drug for more than five years. There were some worries that using bisphosphonates for a very long time would end up in an over-supression of bone resorption. Additionally, it is believed that minute cracks in the bone that were not able to heal well eventually mount up and cause this king of fracture.
For now, the ultimate goal, which is to prevent the occurrence of fracture, still overcomes this adverse event that is somewhat deemed rare. In response to these reports, many doctors have changed their prescription lengths of Fosamax to not more than 3 years. Many of those who have suffered this thigh bone fractured are considering a Fosamax lawsuit against Merck, the maker of Fosamax.
In : Health and Law