Fosamax Bellwether Trial Ends in a Mistrial

The bellwether trial against Merck has officially ended in a mistrial. This was to be the first trial involving allegations that Merck’s osteoporosis drug, Fosamax, caused bone fractures and deterioration. This month, a judge declared a mistrial because of the plaintiff’s health condition. The plaintiff, Christine Su, suffered a heart attack over the weekend and was unable to stand trial. The judge declared a mistrial and will allow for a re-trial when the plaintiff fully recovers.

Christine Su is just one of 2000 claimants who allege that Fosamax caused their femurs to fracture with little to no trauma. Su was taking Fosamax to combat osteopenia. Fosamax is specifically designed to make the bones of osteopenia and osteoporosis patients stronger. Unfortunately, many have realized that long-term use of Fosamax can actually have the opposite effect. The Complaint alleges that Fosamax caused both of Su’s femurs to fracture and led to numerous surgeries and titanium rods being placed in both of her legs.

Hundreds of patients have suffered serious fractures and bone deterioration after using the osteoporosis drug Fosamax. Plaintiffs allege that Merck failed to give adequate warnings of these bone risks and the long-term complications associated with using their drug. In 2010, the FDA began to require Fosamax and other osteoporosis medications (such as Boniva and Actonel) to display these types of warnings on their labels and in 2012, the FDA went so far as to recommend that patients not use these drugs for more than 5 years.

In addition to femur fractures, many claimants have experienced extensive jaw damage, including a horrific and rare problem known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition causes the jawbone to break down and the gum falls away and exposes bones.

National Fosamax Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or someone you love has experienced femur fractures or jaw damage after taking the osteoporosis drug Fosamax, it is important to know that you are not alone; the national dangerous drug lawsuit attorneys at Phillips Law Firm can help. We represent patients across the United States who have been injured or hurt after taking Fosamax and other dangerous drugs. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.