What is Zometa?
Zometa, which has the generic name zoledronic acid, is prescribed to patients suffering from multiple myeloma, hypercalcemia, and some types of bone metastases. Zometa is marketed by Novartis. The drug belongs to a class known as bisphosphonates, which also includes medications such as Aredia, Actonel, and Fosamax. Bisphosphonates are designed to inhibit bone breakdown and treat debilitating bones diseases such as Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Both Aredia and Zometa are intravenous bisphosphonates, while Actonel and Fosamax are normally taken in pill form. Zometa received its approval from the FDA in 2001.
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Zometa and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Bisphosphonates, including Zometa, Aredia, and Fosamax, have been linked to reports of a rare side effect known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or "jaw death." Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a painful and disfiguring condition that involves the loss or breakdown of the jawbone. Recent studies indicate the condition of jaw death may be exacerbated or triggered by dental work including oral surgery and tooth extraction. Some reports indicate that intravenous bisphosphonates such as a Zometa and Aredia may pose a higher risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, although cases of jaw death have been linked to oral bisphosphonates like Fosamax. In a recent report published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, out of 63 patients with osteonecrosis looked at in the report, 56 had been treated with the intravenous bisphosphonates Aredia and Zometa. An additional 6 cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw were linked to Fosamax and 1 case was associated with Actonel. The FDA and Novartis have advised Zometa patients to take care of any necessary dental procedures before beginning therapy with bisphosphonates. There is no indication as to whether stopping the use of Zometa or other bisphosphonates will decrease the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Bisphosphonates metabolize slowly and there is some indication that they will remain in the bone for many years. Users of bisphosphonates should be aware of the possible signs or symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw. These symptoms may include a heavy feeling in the jaw, infection, pain, swelling, loosening of teeth, exposed jawbone, and numbness.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Zometa and noticed adverse side effects, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Zometa litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP?s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Zometa. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Zometa Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Zometa-P131/'>Zometa: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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