Bone death from bisphosphonates covered in new litigation packet.

The bisphosphonates Fosamax and Zometa are the subject of litigation alleging that their manufacturers knew of the increased risk of osteonecrosis (dead bone) of the jaw and failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers.

To advance AAJ members' knowledge about these drugs and help them assess, prepare, and litigate related products liability claims, the AAJ Exchange is offering a new litigation packet of information, "Fosamax, Zometa, and Other Bisphosphonates."

Millions of people, most of them postmenopausal women, have taken bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis, low bone density, and metastasis of some cancers. Generally, the longer a person takes the medication, the greater their risk of complications such as osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw and the exposure of necrotic bone that accompanies it are irreversible conditions.

The litigation packet, developed with the help of AAJ members, summarizes emerging litigation concerning the link between osteonecrosis of the jaw and the use of Fosamax and Zometa. It includes a sample client questionnaire, a sample Zometa complaint, a time line of key events and studies, FDA preemption resources, contact information for AAJ plaintiff members investigating bisphosphohate cases, a bibliography of medical journals, Internet resources, and medical illustrations.

For more information on this and other Exchange litigation packets, visit www.justice.org/exchange and click on "Litigation Packets" or call the Exchange at [phone].