New research conducted by Per Aspenberg, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Linkoping University in Sweden, lends weight to the long-suspected link between osteoporosis drugs and unusual bone fractures. He concluded that patients who have been taking osteoporosis medications that contain bisphosphonates for an extended period of time are at a greater risk of developing unusual bone fractures. Popular bisphosphonate medications include, but are not limited to, Aclasta, Actonel, Aredia, Bondronat, Boniva, Fosamax and Zometa.
While Dr. Aspenberg strongly believes that the overall benefit of the drugs preventing all types of fractures outweighs the risk of actually getting the unusual fractures, he admits that there may be a direct relation between the two. In 2008, Aspenberg looked at 12,777 women who were 55 years of age and older who suffered a fracture of the thigh bone and concluded that there is an association between bisphosphonates and bone fractures. Of the 12,777 women, 59 of them had the unusual type of thigh bone fracture.
The researchers also compared the 59 patients with the unusual fractures with 263 others who had more ordinary thigh bone fractures. While 78% of those with the unusual fractures were on bisphosphonates, 10% of those with the other fractures were. Though it may not be a strong link, Aspenberg is adamant in stating that there is in fact one.
His study data demonstrates beyond a doubt there is a connection, no matter how strong it is, between the atypical fracture of the femoral shaft [thigh bone] and the medication that is so evident, one could argue that it is causative.
As a result of these bone fractures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to patients and health care providers about the possible risk of these fractures in those who take bisphosphonates in late 2010.
Do I Have A Bisphosphonate Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in bisphosphonate lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a bisphosphonate osteoporosis medication, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and / or refund by participating in a class action lawsuit and we can help.