Merck trying to get another deadly bone drug on the market

If you’re scared of breaking a bone, there’s something else that’s even scarier.

It’s a new “bone” drug Merck is trying to get on the market.

Now these drugs that supposedly “build” bone and “protect” you from getting a fracture are among some of the worst ones out there. The most chilling side effect is they can actually cause fractures.

And this new one is no better.

Actually, it may be even worse.

Merck’s trial results are in, and it’s showing what experts say is a “troubling side effect profile” that includes a dangerous heart rhythm called a-fib, as well as an increased risk of stroke.

I’d call that a bit more than “troubling.”

And there were some other things too, like skin lesions and unexpected fractures of the thighbone, which is the longest — and strongest — bone in your body.

Now you would think if Merck was really doing things in the best interest of the people who may be taking this new med, that would be that. This so-called bone drug that can cause you to break your biggest bone would be history.

But of course, it isn’t. There are millions of dollars at stake here, and the company is forging ahead.

It even issued a press release saying that these study results were “very encouraging.” The drug maker also warned that many people who have osteoporosis “are not being treated.”

Thank goodness for that! The fact that countless people who have osteoporosis aren’t taking these kinds of drugs was the only good news it had to report.

The name of this drug is “Odanacatib.” It’s a name I wanted you to know in case your doctor should mention it at some point.

Merck is now sending its application to the FDA, along with its $2 million “application fee.” And you know what that almost always means.

So I’ll be following this dangerous drug closely and be keeping you posted as the company maneuvers to get it onto pharmacy shelves — and your doctor’s Rx pad.

Sources:
“Grassroots momentum build for warning public of fluoroquinolone antibiotic toxicity allegedly damaging the DNA of thousands of victims, Yahoo News, news.yahoo.com

“FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires label changes to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection” August 22, 2013, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fda.gov

“Merck Announces Data from Pivotal Phase 3 Fracture Outcomes Study for Odanacatib, an Investigational Oral, Once-Weekly Treatment for Osteoporosis” Merck press release, September 15, 2014, mercknewsroom.com