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Injured by an Bisphosphante drug?

Actonel, Aredia, Fosamax, and Zometa are some the most popular bisphosphonate drugs prescribed. Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Additionally, stronger forms of bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of advanced bone cancers, where the disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures. When bisphosphonates are given during cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given intravenously and often for long periods of time. Bisphosphonate drugs work by slowing bone loss by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone turnover.

Bisphosphantes have been linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is also known as Dead Jaw. On May 18, 2005, Novartis and the FDA informed dental healthcare professionals of revisions to the prescribing information to describe the occurrence of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) observed in cancer patients receiving treatment with the intravenous bisphosphonate, Aredia (pamidronate disodium). The letter also noted that patients should avoid invasive dental procedures while on the drug. Novartis first warned of the jaw ailment in September 2004 and made doctors and dentists aware of the side effect.

A correlation between Actonel and a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) was found. This finding was published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and it prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturer of Actonel to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004.  

Additionally, Fosamax and Zometa were linked has been to the serious bone disease, Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). The discovery, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, prompted both the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and Novartis, the manufacturer of bisphosphonates used in cancer chemotherapy, to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004.

In May 2004, a New York doctor reported seeing 63 patients with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) from February 2001 to November 2003. Of those cases, 56 had received the IV drugs Zometa or Aredia; seven had been taking oral medications.

If you or a loved one took a Bisphosphante drug and suffered Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), contact Parker & Waichman, LLP today for a free consultation about your potential case.