Study Confirms Link Between Atypical Femur Fractures and Fosamax Use

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- After the New England Journal of Medicine published their findings that use of biphosphonates is not deemed beneficial outside of a 3 to 5 year window, the Archives of Internal Medicine have confirmed that prolonged use of the drug increases risk for atypical fractures of the femur. Commonly used brand names of the drug are Fosamax, Reclast, Boniva, and Actonel. In the past few years the FDA has increased the warning on biphosphonate labels putting users on notice of the risk of atypical femur fracture, however the study by the Archives of Internal Medicine is a more concrete confirmation that use outside of a 3 to 5 year window for most users puts them at greater risk to adverse event occurrence and does not provide much noticeable benefit. The study by the Archives of Internal Medicine looked at 477 patients with atypical femur fractures and discovered that 82% of these patients were using biphosphonates. Recent studies suggest that those who have been using the drug for longer than 5 years should consult their physicians about whether use of the drug should be discontinued. Use of biphosphonates has also been linked to osteonecrosis, a very painful and serious jaw condition. Weighing the risks and benefits of long-term use of a biphosphonate is an important decision for many women who have used the drug for many years. For many of the millions of users such adverse events are not worth the risk.

Unfortunately the label change and these studies come too late for women who have taken the drug for more than 3-5 years who have suffered an atypical femur fracture. Their only recourse will be to seek compensation for their injuries.

Ennis & Ennis continues to offer free, nationwide, confidential consultations to anyone who has taken Fosamax or Boniva and suffered a femur fracture or been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw by calling toll free 1-800-856-6405 or by going to www.ennislaw.com and completing an online case evaluation form.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing Fosamax victims since 2004.   Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is a nationwide law firm with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Washington D.C. that concentrates its practice in mass torts and represents individuals against pharmaceutical companies as well as medical device makers.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing clients individually since 1986 and has recovered over $100 million in settlements for its clients.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is also investigating cases involving Accutane, Actos, Avandia, Fosamax, Pradaxa, Plavix, Paxil/Birth Defect, Zoloft/Birth Defect, Prozac/Birth Defect, Depuy Hip Recall, Zimmer Hip Recall, Wright Conserve Hip, Wright Profemur Hip, all Metal-on-Metal Hips, Tektura, Reglan, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella Birth Control Pills.

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