In June 2008, the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma published an article linking Merck’s Fosamax to a rare type of fracture in the femur. The study looked at 70 patients who experienced a femur fracture and found 36 percent (25) of the patients were taking Fosamax for at least four years.

The femur fractures in the Fosamax patients had distinct characteristics, like a simple fracture with a straight line across the bone and a beak-like overhang on one side. Fosamax patients’ bones also looked strong, as apposed to a typical osteoporotic bone. The study may help determine if Fosamax patients are vulnerable to fractures.

Fosamax has previously been linked to other significant side effects; ongoing litigation against Merck alleges the drug caused osteonecrosis of the jaw – also known as “dead jaw.”

Source: Heather Won Tesoriero, “Side effect watch: femur fractures in Fosamax patients,” Wall Street Journal Health Blog, June 4, 2008.