Trials & Litigation

Fosamax Cases Build Against Merck

  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Print

Merck & Co. is facing an increasing number of lawsuits over its osteoporosis drug Fosamax, even as it has announced a possible $4.85 billion settlement of claims related to its painkiller Vioxx.

The roughly 340 Fosamax suits filed as of Sept. 30 claim the drug can cause a bone-wasting condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, as well as joint pain and bone fractures, the Wall Street Journal reports (sub. req.). The company has set aside $48 million in reserves for the litigation.

Merck maintains its drug label already warns patients of pain and there is no evidence of increased fractures in those who take the drug.

Give us feedback, share a story tip or update, or report an error.