Didronel (generic: etidronate) is used to treat adults with Paget’s disease, and preventing and treating abnormal bone growth following hip replacement surgery or spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, the use of this medication may lead to severe Didronel side effects. Patients who use Didronel may increase their risk of developing a debilitating complication like atypical femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
If you or a loved one has been injured by Didronel, you should contact our lawyersimmediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Didronel is used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone, a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken. It is also used to prevent and treat heterotopic ossification (the growth of bone tissue in an area of the body other than the skeleton) in people who have had total hip replacement surgery or in people who have had an injury to the spinal cord. Etidronate, the active ingredient in Didronel is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing the breakdown of old bone and the formation of new bone.
Unfortunately, dangerous Didronel side effects may ensue after taking the medication. Patients who use biosphosphonates can develop potentially lethal complications including osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), musculoskeletal pain and diminished bone dexterity that can lead to an increased rate of femur fractures. Due to the severity of these side effects, numerous Didronel lawsuits have been filed.
Side Effects of Didronel
Common side effects of Didronel include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, stomach pain and nausea. Though these Didronel side effects are relatively mild, they may be indications of more severe complications. The following is a list of dangerous Didronel side effects:
- Low impact femur fractures
- Thigh bone fractures
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Atypical femur fractures
- Subtrochanteric femur fractures
- Femoral shaft fractures
- Thigh deformity
- Leg shortening
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is often referred to by many other names like Jaw Death, Dead Jaw disease, or Bisphossy Jaw. ONJ is a disfiguring and disabling condition in which jaw bones suffer from literal bone death through infection and rotting. ONJ develops when the jaw fails to heal after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction that results in bone exposure. ONJ has also been linked to the use of Didronel.
Bisphosphonate Osteoporosis Medications
- Aclasta
- Actonel
- Aredia
- Bondronat
- Boniva
- Didronel
- Fosamax
- Fosavance
- Reclast
- Skelid
- Zometa
JAMA Study Links Bisphosphonates to Unusual Bone Fractures
On February 22, 2011, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), published an article titled “Long-Term Use of Bisphosphonates Increases Risk for Atypical Fractures”. This article describes the dangers associated with long term use of Bisphosphonates. Over time, the drug may increase the risk for atypical subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures in older patients. Furthermore, concerns have emerged that these drugs may inhibit bone restructuring, leading to unusual fractures.
Do I have a Didronel Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Didronel lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Didronel, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.