Product Liability

Fosamax®, a bisphosphonate, is a prescription drug used to treat or prevent bone-loss. Fosamax® and other bisphosphonate drugs have recently been linked to atypical femur fractures. The femur, or thigh bone, is considered the strongest bone in the body. Women who have been taking Fosamax® for an extended period of time are experiencing thigh fractures at an alarming rate, including many reports of women who have broken their femur while walking.

It is not yet known how Fosamax® and other bisphosphonates, drugs that are supposed to strengthen bones, are somehow weakening the femur. One study suggests that Fosamax® and bisphosphonate drugs may interfere in the replacement of bone tissue, causing bones to be brittle. Other experts think that bisphosphonates may be making bones too hard, making them susceptible to fracture.

Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax. This litigation has claimed that Fosamax causes deterioration of the thigh and jaw bones, instead of increasing bone density. A Florida resident was awarded $8 million after developing dead jaw while taking Fosamax. The jury declared Fosamax to be "defectively designed" and "unreasonably dangerous".