Amazingly, Actonel and similar drugs, are still on the market for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone loss). Actonel and its cousins cause Dead Jaw, a.k.a. osteonecrosis of the jaw. Avoid tooth extractions or other major dental work if taking these drugs.
Actonel, otherwise known as Risedronate Sodium, is made by Proctor & Gamble (the world renowned soap manufacturer) and was approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. Actonel is a member in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, and these are found in, among other things, laundry detergent. Aredia, Zometa and Fosamax all belong in the same group and have similar side effects.
Undeniably this particular drug is so overwhelmingly popular that an estimated 36 million women use it to prevent or slow down the process of osteoporosis. The reason the numbers are as high as they are, is due to the fact that hormone replacement therapy was yanked off the market when it increased the risk of heart disease and breast cancer. This means younger women are taking Actonel and other bisphosphonates.
Actonel’s action increases the amount of bone available to the body by slowing down the replacement of old bone. The problem with the science behind that is the body is unable to replace poor quality bone that may have fractures or doesn’t have healthy living bone cells left. No one really knew about the connection between taking these drugs and Dead Jaw until 2004 when the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons pointed out the connection
Osteonecrosis of the jaw means tissue doesn’t heal after a tooth extraction leaving the jaw bone exposed and open to infections and possible fracture. This may lead to surgical removal of the dying bone tissue or long-term usage of antibiotics. Despite this very real concern, this drug is still one of the most popular osteoporosis drugs on the market.
There are hundreds of people across the U.S. who have been taking Actonel, etc. who should be speaking to a highly qualified attorney for an assessment of their claim. If taking this drug is a new addition in your health management, speak to a lawyer about the possibility of filing a lawsuit.
To learn more about
Las Vegas divorce, Las Vegas personal injury, Las Vegas divorce lawyer, Las Vegas family law, Las Vegas family law attorneys, Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, visit Hoflandlaw.com.
