Fosamax May Cause Esophageal Cancer

Fosamax or alendronate sodium is an United States Food and Drug Adminsitration approved osteoporosis drug which is part of a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates

Fosamax is used in the treatment of osteoporosis (bone loss) in post-menopausal women; to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis; and to treat Pagetas disease. It carries the risk of esophageal cancer.

Bisphosphonates, once taken, remain in the bones indefinitely. It can upset the delicate balance between the cells that put calcium in bone and the cells that take calcium away.

Fosamax side effects may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. A number of cases have been reported involving individuals who developed esophageal tumors since the osteoporosis drug was first approved in 1995, including at least 8 deaths. Esophageal cancer affects the tube between the throat and the stomach. As the tumors grow, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, loss of weight and coughing blood.

There are several common signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer including the following:

• difficulty swallowing
• unintentional weight loss
• pain in throat
• pain in midchest
• pain in between shoulders
• hoarseness
• hiccups
• vomiting blood

If you need to file a dangerous drugs lawsuit, Anapol Schwartz is a West VA law firm on your side. Anapol Schwartz has a Wheeling attorney (Barry Hill) who can compassionately handle your dangerous drugs lawsuit.

Pharmaceutical products are by nature thought to be safe and effective for their intended use. It is assumed that all necessary testing has been done by the pharmaceutical company before the product is released for sale to public. Pharmaceutical products, especially those sold by prescription have to pass a rigorous pre-market approval process by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Once it passes through the approval process, the public assumes that the pharmaceutical product can be safely used for the purpose for which it is intended. If the pharmaceutical product has defects or is contaminated or does not contain warnings about possible adverse effect, it amounts to negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

Esophageal cancer can result in serious health complications. Often it is diagnosed so late, that the cancer proves fatal. If you are or one of your loved ones is suffering from esophageal cancer due to Fosamax, you may be entitled to compensation.