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The complaints about Fosamax and its unfavorable events have been the talk of the town and the development has been pretty slow. Just an update, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee will have a discussion regarding Fosamax. The bone-strengthening drug seems to have a double-edged effect and now it is taking its toll on its patients. Fosamax belongs to the family of biphosphonates which is commonly given to treat osteoporosis and other bone problems. Also known by its generic counterpart alendronate sodium, this drug makes the bones stronger by interfering bone resorption. There are many known adverse effects resulting from the use of this drug mainly on the digestive tract. And the list might continue to grow as new data about certain types of cancer are pointing this drug as the prime suspect. January 2009, FDA reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that it had 23 reports of esophageal cancers in the United States while an additional 21 cases in Europe and Japan where the suspect drug is Fosamax. Esophagus refers to the hollow tube connecting the throat and stomach for the passage of food. At an early stage, an esophageal cancer is asymptomatic meaning it has no symptoms at all. As the cancer develops, symptoms may include odynophagia (painful swallowing) or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), weight loss and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Smoking, excessive drinking, and damage due to acid reflux are thought to be the risk factors of the disease. Fosamax is highly irritant to the esophagus. For this reason that the drug should be taken in the morning with a full glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before the first food meal. Moreover, you need to keep standing or sit upright within for at least half an hour after taking the drug. On latest studies, it was found that Fosamax and other bone-building drugs also raises the dangers of throat cancer. Former researches conclude no difference but in the latest data, the likelihood of acquiring the illness is 2 times higher. Nevertheless, we need to keep in mind as well that the actual numbers are still minimal, incidence is 2 in every 1000 people while the normal risk is 1 in every 1000 people. There are still other Fosamax side effects that were not mentioned in the article. Furthermore, if you have concerns with your Fosamax Lawsuit, you need to seek advice on your Fosamax Lawyer.
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bone, bisphosphonate, fosamax, paget's disease of bone, health, conditions and diseases, Fosamax side effects,
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