Fosamax

Article By: Dawn M. Chmielewski

Fosamax (alendronate sodium), a drug manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals, was approved in 1995 to treat osteoporosis and to help prevent hip and spine fractures. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug intended to strengthen bones, has actually been linked to weakening certain bones, leading to femur fractures. In particular, these femur fractures have occurred during low-energy activities, such as walking or falling from standing height or less.

In January of this year, the FDA issued updated information to healthcare professionals on atypical fractures of the femur associated with the use of bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis.

As a result of numerous lawsuits being filed, on March 23, 2011, Merck moved the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate all Fosamax lawsuits into a single MDL proceeding. An MDL is a litigation vehicle used to more efficiently process a large number of claims. Unlike a class action, however, in an MDL, each Plaintiff maintains their own individual claim. Issues such as discovery and pretrial briefing are handled in a single process, rather than over and over again throughout the county.

If you or a loved one is/was taking Fosamax and suffered a femur (thigh bone) fracture, please contact us at 216-621-8484.