A recent study shows that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had received reports of at least 23 patients in the United States where diagnosed with esophageal cancer while on Fosamax.The time frame of these instances of esophageal cancer falls between the initial marketing of Fosamax in October 1995 all the way to mid-May 2008.At this time there was no other reporting of other oral bisphophonates in the FDA database for adverse-event reporting.Unfortunately by the time that the study was released, there had been eight deaths among the 23 reported cancer patients. Fosamax litigation has yet to be filed for those who had died.
According to the FDA, up to 23 patients in the United States had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with Fosamax as the suspect drug (in 21 patients) or the concomitant drug (in two patients).
Out of the reported 23 cases, 18 were women who had the average age of 74.The study also showed that 14 of the patients had dose information, eight were reported to have taken Fosamax at a dose of 10 mg per day; five were reported to have taken 70 mg per week; and one was reported to have taken Fosamax “once per week.”
The average time from Fosamax use to diagnosis was approximately two years.Information about risk factors was not provided for all patients, but one patient took Fosamax despite having Barrett's Esophagus, a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Other risk factors could include smoking, drinking, and heavy acid reflux.
The FDA also goes on to say that a larger population size is needed to secure the link between cancer and Fosamax use.The biggest problem that lies with esophageal cancer is that it rarely shows symptoms in the early stages.
As the cancer grows symptoms that can start to show its difficulty, there is likely spitting up of blood and sudden weight loss.Fosamax may also cause several other side effects, which can include low-impact bone fractures.It is important that if someone begins to show any of these symptoms and is on Fosamax a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
According to the FDA, up to 23 patients in the United States had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with Fosamax as the suspect drug (in 21 patients) or the concomitant drug (in two patients).
Out of the reported 23 cases, 18 were women who had the average age of 74.The study also showed that 14 of the patients had dose information, eight were reported to have taken Fosamax at a dose of 10 mg per day; five were reported to have taken 70 mg per week; and one was reported to have taken Fosamax “once per week.”
The average time from Fosamax use to diagnosis was approximately two years.Information about risk factors was not provided for all patients, but one patient took Fosamax despite having Barrett's Esophagus, a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Other risk factors could include smoking, drinking, and heavy acid reflux.
The FDA also goes on to say that a larger population size is needed to secure the link between cancer and Fosamax use.The biggest problem that lies with esophageal cancer is that it rarely shows symptoms in the early stages.
As the cancer grows symptoms that can start to show its difficulty, there is likely spitting up of blood and sudden weight loss.Fosamax may also cause several other side effects, which can include low-impact bone fractures.It is important that if someone begins to show any of these symptoms and is on Fosamax a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
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