Warning: Fosamax could kill you

Studies show that Fosamax can cause two conditions you definitely don't want to have:
esophageal cancer and jaw necrosis.

According to a report in New England Journal of Medicine, written by FDA Official Diane Wysowski, between October 1995 and May 2008 the FDA received reports of 23 cases of esophageal cancer linked directly to the drug Fosamax. Eight of the patients from these reports have died so far.

This may seem like a small percentage since use is widespread, but if you or someone you loved were one of the 23...

In the report, Ms Wysowski urged doctors not to prescribe oral bisphosphonates (Fosamax), especially to patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that is often a precursor to esophageal cancer.

She noted that “use of oral bisphosphonates has been linked to inflammation of the esophagus, also called esophagitis, primarily in patients who have not used them according to directions.” Such irritation is said to be the kind of esophageal damage which may lead to cancer later on. There have been no studies to prove that these drugs cause cancer, but the risk is definitely there.

And then there's the necrosis. I find it ironic that the drug promoted to prevent osteoporosis actually causes deterioration of the bone in the jaw. That prompts me to wonder what it would actually be doing to the rest of the bones.

Dentists report that this is especially dangerous for any person requiring a tooth extraction. The necrosis is tied to infection and when the bone is exposed during dental surgery, healing is a long and difficult process.

Further danger lies in the fact that the drug has a 10-year half life in bone tissue. Thus, even with short-term usage, there remains long-term risk.

Not surprisingly, none of the patients affected had been warned of these side effects by their doctors.

Before you agree to take ANY drug, do your research. Read the fine print, consider the side effects, go on line and see how high the incidence really is, and then decide if the potential benefit of the drug is worth the risk you'll take.

Please don't depend upon the medical industry to protect you, because the fact is, you're more valuable to it sick than when you're healthy.