Rottenstein Law Group Disheartened to Learn of Eye Disorders Caused by First-Time Use of Bisphosphonate Drugs Such as Fosamax

(New York, NY, April 10, 2012) The Rottenstein Law Group, which represents clients with claims stemming from the severe side effects of bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, is dismayed to learn that first-time users of these drugs have an increased chance of developing certain inflammatory eye disorders while taking them to combat osteoporosis.
Researchers at the Child and Family Research Institute at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver looked at over 934,000 people who visited ophthalmologists between 2000 and 2007. Of those patients, almost 11,000 were users of a bisphosphonate drug like Fosamax. Data collected showed that for every 10,000 patients who were taking Fosamax or another bisphosphonate for the first time, 29 developed uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, and 63 developed scleritis, an inflammation of the outer wall of the eye. Both conditions can be serious, with the potential to cause blindness if not promptly treated. Drug-induced eye inflammation is usually reversible when treated with corticosteroids and cessation of the drug believed to have caused the inflammation. The overall risk for first time bisphosphonate users is estimated to be at 45 percent. The researchers’ results have been published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Dr. Mahyar Etminan, a researcher associated with the study, said, “Our study highlights the need for clinicians to inform their patients about the signs and symptoms of scleritis and uveitis, so that prompt treatment can be sought and further complications averted.” Dr. Etminan also suggested that the risk of these disorders needs to be highlighted in the package inserts included with bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax.
Dr. Claire Bowring, Medical Policy Manager of the National Osteoporosis Society in the United Kingdom, commented, “This study seems to confirm what has been reported previously – that inflammation of the eye is a rare adverse side effect and is already currently listed in the Patient Information Leaflets in packages of bisphosphonate treatment here in the UK.” She added, “We welcome further understanding of the risks linked with bisphosphonate therapy and this study adds to our knowledge.”
Despite being the most popular osteoporosis treatment on the market, Fosamax has been linked to several serious side effects. In 2004, researchers found a causal connection between Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition that causes the jawbone to literally die because of a lack of blood supply. More recently, there has been a link between Fosamax and low-impact femur fractures experienced from standing height or less. Evidence is mounting that Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs prescribed to treat osteoporosis cause a dramatic increase in the risk of this kind of rare fracture to the thigh bone.
The Rottenstein Law Group advises anyone with a friend or family member who has been prescribed Fosamax or another osteoporosis drug to recommend to that person that he or she consult a physician immediately, then speak to a qualified Fosamax lawyer. The Rottenstein Law Group lawyers have a total of more than 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of clients who have suffered harm due to the negligence of powerful corporations.  Affected individuals are advised to keep apprised of the latest news concerning the Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits by checking the Fosamax Femur Fracture Lawsuit Information Center for updated information. The site is equipped with easy-to-use social media features which will enable users to spread the word about the dangers of Fosamax.
About the Rottenstein Law Group
The Rottenstein Law Group is a New York-based law firm that represents clients in mass tort actions. The firm was founded by Rochelle Rottenstein, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in compassionate representation of clients in consumer product injury, mass tort, and class action law suits. For more information, please visit their Web site, or call (888) 9-ROT-LAW.

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