Fosamax, a brand name for alendronate sodium, is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat osteoporosis. It functions by slowing bone loss and increasing bone density, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. Prescriptions commonly targeted postmenopausal women at heightened risk of osteoporotic fractures.
While demonstrably effective in managing osteoporosis, prolonged usage of alendronate was linked to the emergence of rare but severe adverse effects. These included atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and esophageal cancer. The occurrence of these complications spurred intense scrutiny and a reevaluation of the drug’s risk-benefit profile, particularly concerning extended treatment durations.