According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects approximately one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50. The condition, which means “porous bone,” occurs when bone density decreases, making them more susceptible to injury. Individuals often experience a gradual decline in bone quality and do not know about their condition until they suffer a fracture. Osteoporosis can lead to severe fractures that may even cause death, so Los Angeles doctors often prescribe medication to help increase bone strength and prevent injury.
Some medications carry risks that can worsen bone condition, but pharmaceutical companies do not always disclose this information or use misleading marketing tactics to exploit osteoporosis sufferers for profit. If you or a loved one suffered a bone disease or fracture because of taking an osteoporosis drug, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek compensation. Contact us today at (800) 794-0444 to speak to our legal team about your case.
Treatment Options for Osteoporosis
Prevention plays a critical role in avoiding the development of osteoporosis, particularly for women. The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests:
- Getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Eating well
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol
If a doctor diagnoses you with osteoporosis, maintaining these healthy habits can contribute to the prevention of its progression. In some cases, however, your physician may suggest medication in addition to healthy lifestyle choices to slow the disintegration of bone. Bones continuously break down and replace themselves with healthy cells, but as we age, the rebuilding process slows. Medications for osteoporosis pause this process to prevent the bones from failing to catch up after routine breakdown.
According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors most commonly prescribe bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, including Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast. Since their introduction to the market in the 1990s, they have grown in popularity and use, particularly among seniors and women. While many patients report success with certain bisphosphonate drug brands, some may present a higher risk than companies led consumers to believe. If you or a loved one suffered severe fractures after taking a bisphosphonate drug, a Los Angeles osteoporosis drug lawyer can help you determine if you have a case.
Dangers of Fosamax
Of the many osteoporosis drugs on the market, Fosamax has caused the most concern since its 1995 release. California doctors regularly prescribe the popular medication, and many patients report positive experiences. However, undisclosed side effects and concerns about its long-term use, particularly in its injectable form, have continued to cause concern over the years. While Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, denied the correlation, studies about the relationship between Fosamax and certain side effects raise alarm.
Jawbone Death
This condition occurs when the jawbone suffers a minor injury and fails to heal properly, depriving the area of blood and leading to pain, swelling, infection, and exposed bone. Most often, it occurs after dental work, particularly tooth extractions. Studies show that patients who take Fosamax have a 4% risk of the disease despite never receiving any warnings from Merck about the risk.
Although the company refused to acknowledge the claims, they eventually paid out over $27 million in a class action settlement involving 1,140 lawsuits filed by Fosamax users who received jawbone death diagnoses while taking the drug. If you suffered from jawbone death while taking Fosamax or another bisphosphonate, a Los Angeles osteoporosis drug lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm online with details about your case, and our legal team will respond as soon as possible.
Thigh Bone Fractures
While osteoporosis drugs may help prevent hip and spine fractures, studies show that they likely contribute to a higher risk of dangerous fractures of the femur, or thigh bone. A Harvard Health article recalls one particular study, which found that 82% of 477 patients who suffered an atypical femur fracture took bisphosphonates at the time of their injury.
Additionally, long-term use of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates may increase the risk of fracture even in patients who did not experience any other side effects. Studies show that, when used for up to five years, the benefits of some osteoporosis drugs may outweigh the risks.
Pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to warn you about the adverse risks of their products, and a Los Angeles osteoporosis drug lawyer can help you hold them responsible for their failure to do so.
For a free legal consultation with a Osteoporosis Drug Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
You May Qualify for Compensation
Over the years, studies have continued to determine more cause for concern regarding the adverse effects of osteoporosis drugs such as Fosamax. Meanwhile, patients continue to develop undisclosed symptoms for which the pharmaceutical companies remain hesitant to take responsibility. Certain conditions, such as serious fractures of the thigh bone, can impact your mobility, ability to earn an income, and overall well-being. If you suffered injuries while taking a bisphosphonate, you may qualify for compensation. Financial awards may include:
- Medical bills and healthcare expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future wages
- Pain and suffering
Los Angeles Osteoporosis Drug Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to Get Started
Victims of drug injuries often feel intimidated by the idea of filing a claim on their own. These cases often involve facing major pharmaceutical companies and fighting against the tactics they use to avoid providing you with the financial awards you deserve. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our attorneys will investigate your claim, gather the appropriate evidence, and use our findings to pursue your best interests in court. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us any fees unless we win. Contact us today at (800) 794-0444 for your free osteoporosis drug injury case evaluation.
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