What Other Medical Conditions Can Result from Fosamax Use?

One of the major problems that people find alarming is the medical condition called osteoporosis. Women in their menopausal stage are the ones greatly affected. The cause of the fear may have been the thought that they already have contracted the disease before they know it. In fact, despite its being unnecessary, some women opt to undergo an osteoporosis screening. Help can also come from medicines, among biphosphonates, of which Fosamax is an example. However, people experiencing femur fractures are increasing and Fosamax is said to be a cause. Now, this Fosamax issue resulted to studies devoted to explaining these femur fractures.

The suffering caused by Fosamax is not only because of femur fractures. It is an essential thing to know about these other conditions found and reported because it can be helpful.

Esophageal Cancer

Fosamax has the tendency to upset our digestive tract and even irritate the esophagus. Yet, there is a study saying that taking Fosamax for a long time could double the likelihood of anyone developing esophageal cancer. To reduce the chances of damaging their esophagus, users are advised to remain in an upright position at least thirty minutes after taking the drug.

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Severe Musculoskeletal Pain

Severe pain on the bone, muscle or joints, especially in the hip, groin or thigh area, is another severe side effect blamed on the drug. Merck, the manufacturers of Fosamax, included this on the side effects column of its medication guide. Yet many health care providers still overlook this. They just see these pains as normal. This would cause a delay in the diagnosis, lengthen impairment, and require the use of analgesics.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Another disturbing repercussion of prolonged Fosamax use is the death of a tissue in the jaw—a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of the time, it presents a severe pain in the jaw accompanied with swelling, numbness, or loose teeth. It is best to inform your dentist before a needed dental procedure that you are taking Fosamax. There may be a need for a temporary stall for your therapy.

Atypical Fracture of the Thigh Bone

In 2008 the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma reported a number of long-term Fosamax patients who sustained a rare, low-impact fracture on their femur. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then required a revision in the Fosamax label while it[FDA] performed further analysis on those cases. Doctors now prescribe Fosamax to their patients for a period of not longer than four years even without FDA advice as a result.

These Fosamax side effects may sound disturbing, but these conditions cannot be experienced by every Fosamax user. It would be best to ask your doctor about your risks and how to prevent the said problems especially problems such as Fosamax femur fracture, which may keep on increasing.
Ronald Redman, like many others, is concerned about the Side effects of the drug Fosamax. Read more updates about “Fosamax Lawsuit” here.
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Tags: Health, osteoporosis screening, femur fractures, health care providers, menopausal stage, osteonecrosis of the jaw