Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Fosamax is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss, such as osteoporosis, in adults. Osteoporosis is a bone disease which can cause the bones to become thinner and more prone to breaking. It is more likely that a patient can develop osteoporosis as they get older, after going through menopause, or if one has been taking corticosteroid medications for a long time.The way that Fosamax is supposed to work is to slow bone loss and also help helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones.
Several reports have been published since 2003 marking the possible link between Fosamax and a rare disorder called osteonecrosis, or bone death involving the jaw, a condition marked by pain, swelling, infection and exposed bone. The majority of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw involved people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and had been given intravenous Fosamax to treat cancer that had spread to the bone.
A small number of osteonecrosis cases have been reported of patients taking Fosamax orally for osteoporosis treatment. These have been primarily associated with active dental disease or a recent dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction. Osteonecrosis is a serious condition however rare, but so is osteoporosis, if you are taking Fosamax for osteoporosis it is important that you do not discontinue using it unless you talk to you doctor first.
If you have been prescribed to take Fosamax once daily, take the tablet in the morning and do not wait till later in the day. If for some reason you miss your daily dose, wait till the following morning to take the next dose, do not take two Fosamax tablets in one day.If you take Fosamax tablets once a week: If you forget to take Fosamax on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose.Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day, do not take two tablets in one day.
Fosamax is one the most widely prescribed drugs for osteoporosis, however there has been an increase in Fosamax Lawsuits as many patients have begun to report injuries because of the side effects of the drug.If you feel that you are experiencing side effects of Fosamax use consult your doctor as soon as possible.