Another Merck Muck - Fosamax Drug Danger(2)

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As if Vioxx wasn't problematic enough for drug manufacturer Merck, now another health risk has surfaced, directly linked to its Fosamax drug. As the LA Times has reported, since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking Fosamax and other bone-building medications have reported bone death in their jaws. Yet, 90% of the drug side effects aren't reported to the FDA. Biophosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women, and even minor denal treatment like a tooth extraction can trigger jaw both death. Although your chances of getting this severe side effect is small, if you are one of the 23 million women taking this drug, be aware that the longer you take this drug, your chances increase. Be sure to tell your dentist or oral surgeon if you're taking Fosamax before any procedure.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-fosamax3apr03,0,1769664.story