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Fosamax Glossary
Here is a glossary for some terms used on the website.
We hope you find these Fosamax-related and osteoporosis definitions useful in better understanding the Fosamax topic.
Alendronate is the generic name for Fosamax. Alendronate is in the bisophosphonate family of drugs which are currently under the FDA microscope and part of a class action lawsuit.
Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. If an angioedema occurs in the throat, normal breathing or swallowing can be blocked bisophosphonate is a type of drug used to treat osteoporosis and the bone pain caused by some types of cancer. Bisophosphonates have recently come under the FDA microscope for causing complications such as dead jaw. Bisophosphonates may build bone of one kind of destroy jaw bones.
Do You Have A Drug Injury Case? »BMD stands for bone mineral density or bone mass density. A BMD test can determine the density of your bones and if you should be on a preventative medication.
Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the blood.
Bone density is the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone. It can be measured by a bone mineral density test.
Calcium is a mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is added to bones by cells called osteoblasts and removed from bones by cells called osteoclasts. Calcium is essential for healthy bones. It is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, nervous system maintenance, and normal blood clotting.
Dead jaw, also known as osteonecrosis, is the destruction of bone tissue. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a painful, deteriorative condition that involves soft-tissue swelling in the mouth, infection, loosening of the teeth, drainage, and exposed bone. It is the result of blood not properly reaching the bone.
Esophagitis is an inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. It is most often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease better known as heartburn.
Esophagus is the tube that connects the throat with the stomach. The esophagus lies between the windpipe and the spine. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing.
Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen deficiency can lead to osteoporosis.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is an agency within the U.S. Public Health Service.
Fracture is a break in bone or cartilage. Although usually the result of trauma, a fracture can be caused by an acquired disease of bone such as osteoporosis or by abnormal formation of bone.
Do You Have A Fosamax Case? »Gastroesophageal is where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Hip fracture is broken bone in the hip, a key health problem among the elderly, usually due to a fall or other kind of trauma involving direct impact to the hip bone which has been weakened by osteoporosis.
Hypocalcemia (HCM) is a deficiency of calcium in the blood asymptomatic to life-threatening situations. Hypocalcemia can also result in depression, memory loss, or hallucinations.
Ibandronate sodium is the generic name for Boniva, a once-a-month oral tablet to slow down and treat osteoporosis. Ibandronate disodium is in the bisophosphonate family of drugs which are currently under the FDA microscope and part of a class action lawsuit.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop. Menopause if frequently called the change of life.
ONJ - Please see dead jaw.
Osteo pertains to bone.
Osteonecrosis is dead bone or dead jaw bone, the result of using Fosamax-like drugs; also referred to as ONJ.
Contact Our Fosamax Lawyers Today »Osteopenia is the precursor to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein. Osteoporosis predisposes a person to fractures common in older adults.
Paget's disease is metabolic bone disease that involves bone destruction and regrowth resulting in deformity.
Pamidronate disodium is the generic name for Aredia. Pamidronate disodium is in the bisophosphonate family of drugs which are currently under the FDA microscope and part of a class action lawsuit.
Postmenopausal happens after menopause when a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without a period.
Resorption is the process of losing substance. The cell responsible for the resorption of bone is called an osteoclast.
Risedronate is the generic name for Actonel. Risendronate is in the bisophosphonate family of drugs which are currently under the FDA microscope and part of a class action lawsuit.
Do You Have A Drug Injury Case? »Side effects are problems that occur when treatment goes beyond the desired effect or problems that occur as well as the desired therapeutic effect.
Stevens-Johnson is a severe and sometimes fatal form of blisters characterized by conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and often results in blindness, Vincent's angina (trench mouth), and ulceration of the genitals and anus.
Zoledronic acid is the generic name for Zometa, which is a potent intravenous drug used for bone cancer patients. Zoledronic acid is in the bisophosphonate family of drugs which are currently under the FDA microscope and part of a class action lawsuit.
