Pharmaceutical Errors - Failure to Warn
Zometa (Novartis) - zoledronic acid, zoledronate, a bisphosphonate used to prevent skeletal fractures . Commonly used among patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, prostrate and breast cancers. Can also be used for the treatment of osteoporosis
Reclast (Novartis) - zoledronic acid, zoledronate, a bisphosphonate prescribed for treatment of postmenepausal osteoporosis
Aredia (Novartis) - pamidronate disodium, also used in the treatment of moderate/severe hypercalcemia with malignancy and Paget's disease of the bone
Fosamax (Merck) - alendronate - used for treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease and can be prescribed for off-label uses related to hypercalcemia in cancer patients
Zometa, Reclast, Aredia, Fosamax are billed and sold as 'bone strengthening' Wonder Drugs.
We say, "Not So Fast!" More and more reports of folks who have been precribed these drugs are suffering spontaneous, sudden femur fractures, or have jawbones that are suddenly dying and splintering.
Doctor Robert Marx, Head of the Department of Oral-Maxiofacial Surgery at the University of Miami Medical School in Florida calls these reports signs of an emerging, "hidden epidemic". In 2001, he was one of the first to issue a nation-wide Medical Alert about the dangers and complications that come with their prolonged use and incomplete warnings. Many others from a number of top-rated institutions have now joined him in calling for vigilance and caution.
Medical literature research from as early as 1981 directly links bisphosphonate use to skeletal problems.
Yet, the industry still will not acknowledge such a tie. The companies that make and market these drugs are multi-billion dollar world-wide corporations with the making of massive amounts of money as their primary goal. These are 'Blockbuster' drugs for them. In the language of their industry, that means they are Mega-Earners in their pharmaceutical array.
More and more physicians and scientists are questioning the validity of their safety claims and even the need to take them in the first place. If you or a loved one or friend is taking these drugs and are experiencing the kind of problems described here, please give us a call. We can evaluate your situation and advise you professionally. We have the resources and the information to talk with you and provide guidance which can be helpful.
*In 2005, the US FDA issued a broad drug class warning of complications for all bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonate-associated complications include spontaneous fracture of the femur and osteonecrosis of the jaw, known as BRONJ, for which there is no known treatment.
