Fosomax is a drug with the generic name of Alendronate. The drug works by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which is useful in people who are prone to osteoporosis. The drug is prescribed for the prevention of fractures in high-risk groups.
This drug is often prescribed for men and women who are undergoing menopause or taking steroids. It is also used to treat Paget’s disease.

Potential Side Effects

Potential side effects include nausea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, obstipation, ulceration of the esophagus. Other side effects include skin rashes, eye problems, and generalized pain of the muscles, joints and bones. Other users have shown manifestations of severe side effects including osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is a type of bone disease that is commonly associated with the hips, knees, ankles and the shoulders. The onset of this condition is permanently linked with the temporary or permanent loss of blood to bone tissue, leading to the death of the tissue and to the eventual collapse of the bone. The pain suffered by those who suffer through osteonecrosis of the bone is suffered by most arthritics.

Fosomax Classification

Fosomax classification is done by the Food and Drug Administration. Classification places the drug aas part of the biphosphonate family which acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Fosomax classification has also provide that the drug belongs to Pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known if the use of the drug poses a risk of danger to the unknown baby since it is not known whether the drug can pass into the breast milk. In classifications like these it is important to err on the side of caution. Most doctors will not usually prescribe potent medications like this drug to pregnant women unless the benefits seriously outweigh the dangers.

Knowing the Fosomax classification is important for both health care providers and users alike. The classification will help you determine if the drug has potential side effects that you want to avoid at all cost. This will also help you take the necessary precautions to avoid potentially serious side effects. For example, patients who have trouble swallowing, those with Vit. D deficiencies, dental problems, kidney diseases or ulcers are often advised not to take the drug.
Monitored use of the drug is prescribed for people who cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. The drug can cause serious problems in the stomach or the esophagus so one needs to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug.

Lawsuits

Due to the large volume of users who have experienced the discomfort that results from the side effects of this drug, lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers for not informing the public properly about the potential side effects of this medication. Those who have suffered injuries as a result of the use of this drug should contact personal injury lawyers for assistance in filing a lawsuit against the makers of Fosamax.