ZOMETA & FOSAMAX CAUSE JAW BONE DEATH / TOOTH LOSS

Allegations that the bone-strengthening drug Zometa (zoledronic acid) and Fosamax can cause a dangerous condition known as osteonecrosis, or "dead jaw," have led to a class-action lawsuit being filed against the drug's manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. The condition, known as osteonecrosis, causes tissue in the jaw to die when patients are given the drug. This leads to loss of teeth and dental infections.

Over 1 million people have taken Zometa since 2001 and sales of Fosamax are over $800 million. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Novartis first alerted physicians to the problem in 2004.

Case Background

Zometa and Fosamax are given to patients to prevent and treat osteoporosis; it increases bone mass and reduces the risk of fractures. The drug is also given to patients with multiple myelnoma, breast cancer, or prostate cancer. In cancer patients, Zometa and Fosamax can reduce bone pain, cancer-related fractures, and high levels of calcium in the blood. It is given intravenously, and is a type of drug known as a biphosphonate.

Osteonecrosis, or the "dead jaw" condition, occurs most often in patients who undergo major dental procedures, such as tooth extractions. The bone death is extremely painful. Many of the cancer patients who experienced osteonecrosis were also on a treatment regimen that included chemotherapy and steroids. Dead jaw goes by several other names: bone necrosis, jaw deterioration, jaw bone loss, bone necrosis or bone jaw loss.

Symptoms of bone death in the jaw include:

• pain;
• swelling;
• infection of the gums;
• loosening of the teeth;
• poor healing of the gums;
• numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw; and
• exposed bone.

Health Risks and Symptoms

The 2004 FDA warning indicated that patients should undergo thorough dental exams before being prescribed Zometa, and have any major dental work completed before taking the drug. If possible, patients should avoid major dental procedures while taking Zometa or Fosamax. Good oral hygiene will also reduce the risk of infections, and poor oral hygiene can make the problem worse.

Once jaw death begins, there is no treatment and little that can be done to reverse it. Further surgery may only make the problem worse by exposing even more bone. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but they will only treat a secondary infection and do not address the problem of bone death.

Do I Qualify for a Zometa or Fosamax Lawsuit?

If you or a member of your family has taken Zometa, then you may qualify for a lawsuit claim. Thousands of people have already filed claims

In America today there are thousands of mass lawsuits and billions of dollars in unclaimed monies available for victims. If you have been wronged by a major corporation, you may be entitled to compensation for treatments and pain and suffering.

If you believe you have been wronged, take action to protect your rights.

Fill out this form or call 1.800.387.4262 if you need additional information or want to discuss a potential claim with an attorney. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day). Local counsel may be used for this matter.