OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW (ONJ) is a serious condition in which small areas of bone in the upper or lower jaw become infected or inflamed and die, producing a searing neuralgia-like pain. The condition is irreversible -- there is no cure.  Read here about the long history of ONJ, known as "Phossy Jaw," and its new connection with drugs like Fosamax.

ONJ has been linked to patients using both injectable and oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax and Zometa, according to a review from FDA’s Office of Drug Safety.

Reports about the link between bisphosphonate drugs and "jaw bone death" began to surface in late 2003, when Dr. Robert E. Marx, a maxillofacial surgeon in Florida, wrote a letter to the editor of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He realized that he was inexplicably seeing more and more patients with osteonecrosis.

Salvatore Ruggiero, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York had also seen an increase in ONJ among his patients. Most were cancer patients who had received the intravenous bisphosphonates Zometa or Aredia or both for excessive calcium in their blood or bone tumors. But about 10% were osteoporosis patients who had taken an oral bisphosphonate, mainly Fosamax. In May 2004, Ruggiero co-wrote a report on 63 patients with ONJ, which was published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw 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. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patient using Fosamax is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.

Symptoms of ONJ:

• irregular sores with exposed bone

• pain or swelling in the infected jaw

• loose teeth

• altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.

LAWSUIT INFORMATION

Across the United States, Fosamax lawsuits against Merck and Zometa lawsuits against Novartis have been filed because of the manufacturer's failure to warn of the safety risks and side effects of their drugs. Each claim is being investigated and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Merck and Novartis have known that a side effect of their drugs is the increased risk of jaw necrosis.  However, they failed to warn the patients and dentists and have attempted to minimize the risk associated with their medication.  Had the side effects of Fosamax and Zometa been known, dentists would have been more aware that patients on Fosamax and Zometa present an increased risk of jawbone death, and preventative actions could have been taken to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

MERCK AND NOVARTIS PROTECTED PROFITS ABOVE THE HEALTH OF PATIENTS

When Merck and Novartis became aware of the risks associated with bisphosphonate medications, such as Fosamax and Zometa, they attempted to protect their profits instead of protecting the health of the patients taking the osteoporosis medication.

Fosamax is Merck’s second-best selling product. It is believed that Merck is being especially protective of this medication since they are facing over 10,000 lawsuits from patients who were injured by their dangerous pain medication, Vioxx.  Vioxx accounted for approximately $3 billion dollars in lost sales when it was removed from the market in September 2004.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw causes severe pain and damage to the quality of life for patients.  With proper warnings and preventative actions, the impact of jaw bone deterioration could have be minimized.  However, Merck has once again placed their profits above the health of their patients.

At this time, Thomas & Wan is investigating and pursuing individual claims for jaw problems caused as a side effect of Fosamax or Zometa. There are legal developments regarding the Fosamax and Zometa lawsuits every day, so it is important to have experienced lawyers on your side protecting your interests.

If you have taken Fosamax or Zometa and been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw or experienced symptoms of jaw death, request a free consultation.   You and your family may be entitled to compensation for this painful condition which could have been prevented.

CALL AND SPEAK WITH A LAWYER TODAY AT 713-529-1177

With over 25 years of experience, the lawyers of Thomas & Wan have the knowledge and commitment to helping you and your family. We understand the serious physical, emotional and financial difficulties faced by injured people and their families.

Attorneys represent clients across the nation.  Attorneys are licensed in the state of Texas unless otherwise indicated. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Thomas & Wan's primary office is located in Houston.

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