Roughly one out of five American woman over the age of fifty suffer from what is the most common type of bone disease: osteoporosis. It is characterized by thinning bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. As bones weaken, the possibility of fractures of the bone increases. To combat the increased risk of fractures in those suffering from osteoporosis, many physicians prescribe a group of drugs known as “bisphosphonates.” Among this group are Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Atelvia, and Reclastl. Unfortunately, osteoporosis is not limited to women alone.
Fosamax is the most popular drug prescribed by physicians to treat osteoporosis. However, the drug has also been prescribed to those who do not suffer from osteoporosis, but who are at risk of developing the disease. In 2008, more than 37 million prescriptions were written for Fosamax alone, and sales of all bisphosphonates exceeded $3.5 billion.
Recent studies have linked Fosamax and other bisphosphonates to atypical femur (thigh bone) fractures. The femur is typically one of the strongest bones of the body. In recent years, women have reported femoral fractures that occurred as they performed what seemed to be perfectly safe activities, like walking down stairs, jumping rope, and exercising. One woman had suffered two broken femurs.
The increased number of such fractures has prompted the United States Food and Drug Administration to issue a warning about Fosamax and the increased risk of subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur fractures in October 2010. Atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures are located just below the hip joint, while diaphyseal femur fractures occur in the long part of the thigh bone.
At The Brad Hendricks Law Firm, we believe those who have suffered painful femur fractures by Fosamax should be compensated, particularly where there is evidence that the drug actually causes the injury it is prescribed to prevent. If you or a loved one have been prescribed Fosamax and suffered a fracture of the femur while taking Fosamax, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For a free legal consultation, please call The Brad Hendricks Law Firm today at (501) 221-0444 or (800) 603-5100.
