FDA Report Cautioning Long-Term Use of Fosamax and Other Bisphosphonate Drugs Acknowledged by Rottenstein Law Group

    NEW YORK, NY, May 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Rottenstein Law Group, which represents clients with claims stemming from the severe side effects of the osteoporosis drug Fosamax, has learned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an analysis generally recommending caution when using the popular medication for long periods of time, though without offering more specific suggestions.

The New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday published the FDA's "Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis - Where Do We Go From Here?" - in which the authors state, "The long-term safety and efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis are important concerns for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In response to postmarketing reports of rare but serious adverse events associated with bisphosphonates, such as atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and esophageal cancer, the FDA performed a systematic review of long-term bisphosphonate efficacy."

According to a New York Times article about the FDA report, "Although the concerns about the long-term safety of bone drugs are not new, the [FDA] performed its own systematic review of the effectiveness of bisphosphonates after years of use. The agency's analysis, which found little if any benefit from the drugs after three to five years of use, may prompt doctors around the country to rethink how they prescribe them."

Despite being the most popular osteoporosis treatment on the market, Fosamax has been linked to several serious side effects. In 2004, researchers found a causal connection between Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition that causes the jawbone to literally die because of a lack of blood supply. More recently, there has been a link between Fosamax and low-impact femur fractures experienced from standing height or less. Evidence is mounting that Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs prescribed to treat osteoporosis cause a dramatic increase in the risk of this kind of rare fracture to the thigh bone.

The Rottenstein Law Group advises anyone with a friend or family member who has been prescribed Fosamax or another osteoporosis drug to recommend to that person that he or she consult a physician immediately, then speak to a qualified Fosamax lawyer. The Rottenstein Law Group lawyers have a total of more than 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of clients who have suffered harm due to the negligence of powerful corporations. Affected individuals are advised to keep apprised of the latest news concerning the Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits by checking the Fosamax Femur Fracture Lawsuit Information Center for updated information. The site is equipped with easy-to-use social media features which will enable users to spread the word about the dangers of Fosamax.

About the Rottenstein Law Group
The Rottenstein Law Group is a New York-based law firm that represents clients in mass tort actions. The firm was founded by Rochelle Rottenstein, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in compassionate representation of clients in consumer product injury, mass tort, and class action law suits. For more information, please visit their website, http://www.rotlaw.com, or call (888) 9-ROT-LAW.

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