One of the serious complications associated with Fosamax has been related to its effects on the upper gastrointestinal tract; particularly the esophagus. Aside from osteonecrosis of the jaw or dead jaw syndrome, esophageal complications are one of the most severe. Any of these following conditions might affect the esophagus due to taking Fosamax: stricture of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers, punctures or rupture, inflammation and in some cases esophageal cancer.While the frequency of this adverse effect is rare, as far as studies have shown, all of the above complications may require hospitalization and intensive treatment if they appear. These treatments also include claims that Fosamax can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, while others claim the opposite.

Fosamax is a commonly prescribed for the prevention and treatment of the degenerative bone disease osteoporosis. Its main formulation known as alendronate sodium or alendronic acid is a type of drug classified as biphosphonate. (Brand names include Actonel, Boniva, Didronel, and Fosamax)Its main mechanism of action is to change the way your body normally metabolizes bone.By causing cell death to osteoclasts, the bone cells that break down bone and release calcium into the body, this supposedly promotes bone formation and increases bone density. It is also prescribed for osteopenia, osteogensis imperfecta, Paget's disease of the bone, bone metastasis (with or without hypercalcemia), osteoporosis related to corticosteroid treatment, primary hyperthyroidism and other disease conditions that involve bone degeneration. Lately this drug has become more well known for the many adverse effects associated with its use.

In January 2, 2009 a letter from the New England Journal of Medicine cited a finding by US Food and Drug Administration that 23 cases of esophageal cancer, possibly linked to the use of the drug, has been documented since Fosamax was first released; of those cases 8 were found to be fatal. Similar findings regarding these complications have been documented in Europe and Japan.More case studies are being conducted by medical researchers since none of the original clinical trials mentioned any link between the risks of esophageal problems and cancer to Fosamax use. As more and more studies are conducted the side-effects of Fosamax are becoming well-documented and influencing the way physicians and patients consider the use of the drug as an effective treatment for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Experts say the only recommended course of action if any of these complications are noted due to taking Fosamax is to immediately inform your primary physician and to stop taking the medication to prevent further damage. In some cases the complications may even result from improperly taking the medication as prescribed due to the drugs formulation. Speak with your physician about these concerns before considering this medication for treatment.