Proctor & Gamble’s Actonel, a class of bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis, has been linked to many serious side effects – including Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or jaw death. A recent Actonel jaw death victim has filed a $1.5 million product liability lawsuit against Proctor & Gamble for his injuries. Like so many other victims, he wants to know why the pharmaceutical giant failed to warn him of known dangers.
Actonel ONJ Lawsuit
According to a recent article published in the Madison St. Clair Record, Pennsylvania resident Robert Chickis began taking Actonel in 2004 to treat his osteoporosis. In 2009, Chickis had to have five of his teeth extracted, then his entire bottom row of teeth. Chickis was soon diagnosed with ONJ jaw death and osteomyelitis – an infection of the bone or bone marrow. He now suffers from great pain, permanent disfigurement, speech impairment and other disabilities.
Chickis and his attorney, John Driscoll of The Driscoll Firm, LLC, recently filed a product liability lawsuit against Proctor & Gamble – and its subsidiary Warner Chilcott – alleging that the pharmaceutical giants knew that Actonel increased the risk of serious side effects such as ONJ, but failed to warn consumers about those risks.
ONJ Injuries Painful & Often Permanent
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), also known as “jaw death,” occurs when there is an inadequate supply of blood to the jaw. It literally results in the death of the jaw bone. Symptoms include pain, loosening of the teeth, swelling or infection of the gums, poor healing of gums, drainage and exposed gums.
Patients suffering from ONJ report that the pain they experience is so great that it has forced them to become bedridden. Many ONJ injuries cannot be treated. Those patients who can be treated generally require removal of the dead jaw and numerous dental and medical treatments in an attempt to reconstruct the jaw.
Are You An Actonel Injury Victim?
In addition to ONJ, other Actonel side effects include femur fractures, hip fractures and osteomyelitis – a bone infection caused by bacteria or other germs. If you’ve been injured by Actonel or another bisphosphonate drug like Aredia, Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast and Zometa, contact an experienced product liability lawyer who understands how these dangerous bisphosphonates can result in serious injury. Consultations are free and can help determine whether you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
