How Does Fosamax Work?

Fosamax and other bisphosphonates work by interrupting the normal process of bone formation and degradation. Your body builds bone with one type of cell (osteoblasts), and takes bone away with another type of cell (osteoclasts). As people age, the re-absorption (or degradation) of the bones by osteoclasts can outpace the creation of bone by osteoblasts.  Severe bone loss is referred to as "osteoporosis."  That's what drugs like Fosamax were supposed to fight.

Fosamax (alendronate) stops the cells that take bone away, leading to an increase in total bone mass. But studies are showing that Fosamax patients’ bones are actually weaker, despite Fosamax making them denser. As ABC news reported, this can lead to devastating bone injuries like femoral fractures:

"We are seeing people just walking, walking down the steps, patients who are doing low-energy exercise,” said Dr. Kenneth Egol, professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Very unusual, the femur is one of the strongest bones in the body."

Fosamax patients who have suffered these types of injuries are filing Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits.  Fosamax Injury Attorneys can help these people determine whether they have a valid Fosamax lawsuit or not.  If you or a loved one think you might have been injured by Fosamax, contact a Fosamax Injury Attorney for more information.

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