One of the leading bone-strengthening medications, Fosamax, is written over 20 million prescriptions every year for treatment of a variety of bone problems. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized Fosamax to be given to patients with Paget’s disease. However, there are some cases that doctors may prescribe Fosamax even without the FDA’s acknowledgement.
Fosamax belongs to a class of drug called biphosphonates which acts on the body by changing the bone cycle halting bone resorption which consequently increases bone mass. Health care providers have been accredited by the US FDA to order the drug, which is also known by its generic version alendronate sodium, as management of osteoporosis in both men and women and treatment for Paget’s disease. Furthermore, they also have the license to give the drug for non-FDA approved indications as long as he/she believes that it is the best treatment for your condition.
The practice of prescribing for an indication, dose, or form of administration that has not been approved by the US FDA is considered an off-label use. Doctors have discovered that Fosamax may be used to treat certain cancers that have spread into the bones. Some of these cancers are lung, breast, multiple myeloma and prostate cancers. Other non-FDA approved uses of the drug are treatment for vitamin D overdose and osteoporosis due to a spinal injury.
One of the side effects of this biphosphonate that appears to be very appealing to some young adults is the significant weight loss. Even so, taking the drug in order to drop some weight is inapt for it entails more danger. You might need to ask for suggestion from your health care provider on what you need to lose weight.
Off-label use of drug, particularly those that are not advised by your medical practitioner, will only bring unnecessary problems to your health. Fosamax may cause severe side effects like ulcerations and bleeding in the esophagus and, sometimes, jaw bone death – osteonecrosis of the jaw. Currently, more and more reports have been brought claiming that extensive use of drug for prolonged period may cause an atypical type of femur fracture.
Sustaining an adverse effect of Fosamax that Merck, the maker of Fosamax, failed to disclose to the public may be a solid basis for filing a Fosamax lawsuit. But you might have a problem defending your side if it turns out that you are taking the drug for an off-label use.
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