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Potential Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit Emerging in Canada

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Montreal, PQOption-Consommateurs (OC), a not-for-profit consumer group based in Montreal, filed a class action demand in 2007 and according to the Canwest news service wants to launch a class action lawsuit against Merck Frosst for allegedly failing to disclose Fosamax side effects.

A spokesperson for OC, Jacinthe Lauzon, cites a number of disturbing international studies concerning Fosamax and bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis and to strengthen weak bones. Lauzon says studies have found that bisphosphonates are not effective in preventing bone degeneration and fractures. Some patients have reported spontaneous fractures.

Fosamax osteonecrosis (ONJ), also known as Fosamax dead jaw, is another adverse side effect of Fosamax that affects about one out of every 1000 Fosamax users, according to Lauzon. Fosamax ONJ is painful and can have a devastating affect on a person's health and well-being.

Various lawsuits have been launched in the US on behalf of Fosamax patients suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw following dental work or bone fractures of the femur. The plaintiffs allege that Fosamax manufacturer Merck Frosst may have released distorted data results based on too few studies when it was seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Canwest report says that 3000 women in the province of Quebec take Fosamax. In 2009 the Quebec health insurance board RAMQ reported that 1.5 million prescriptions for Fosamax were filled in the province at a cost of some $26 million.

A 2006 study by Health Canada showed that Fosamax did not significantly reduce the risk for bone fractures, with the possible exception of vertebrae bones. What's more, a longitudinal Italian study of 862 Fosamax users showed fractures at a rate of nearly 10 percent a year, higher than the company's clinical trials. The ICARO study published in 2008 suggests the benefits of the bone drug have been overstated.

OC wants Health Canada to reevaluate Fosamax in terms of safety and efficacy, Lauzon told the Montreal Gazette.

The Canadian class action lawsuit alleging Fosamax osteonecrosis and various other Fosamax side effects is expected to be heard in the fall.

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READER COMMENTS

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My oldest sister was taking Fosamax for nearly 12 years. She was having severe pain in the upper part of her legs and hips. She visited her doctor who told her it was arthritis. Four years ago she told her doctor that our cousin broke both her hips because of being on Fosamax for too long. Her doctor again told her that the reason she was on it was to prevent her bones from breaking. A month later she goes back to see him with severe pain in the top part of her leg, she could barely walk. He sent her for x-rays and told her there were no abnormalities. Sent her home saying it was just arthritis to keep going with the Naproxen. Two weeks later my sisters femur severed just below the groin and the other one cracked. She now has two rods in both legs and is off the Fosamax. My sister is 73 years old and all this could have been prevented!

Posted by

on
I took fosamax for over five years. I broke an ankle, both sides two years ago and had surgery. I quit taking the fosamax as it obviously was not helping and after another bone density test discovered I was getting worse and not better. I also had stomach issues which made it an easy choice to quit. Went to a specialist who felt that I would be better off taking fosamax then not taking it? Right! Is she having all the issues I'm going through, don't think so. Had all sorts of tests and apart from finding that I have gall stones I was no further ahead. Choices: operate, drugs or wait. I opted to wait and watch. I'm relatively careful as to what I eat and as soon as I feel an episode come I'm quick to take Alka Seltzer or anything to relieve gas build up. Just thought I'd share.

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