Fosamax was not actually ever taken off the market.
However Fosamax has had numerous lawsuits against it which alleged that the Fosamax caused atypical femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw and lead to claims of inadequate warnings about the risks although it was never actually taken off the market despite these lawsuits.
Fosamax is also known as alendronate and is a bisphosphonate medication that is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis by slowing down bone loss.
Many lawsuits had alleged that Fosamax caused atypical femur fractures which are unusual thigh bone fractures.
And other lawsuits against Fosamax alleged that Fosamax led to ONJ or Osteonecrosis of the Jaw which is a condition in which jawbone tissues die and can also occur after dental procedures.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuits against Fosamax also argued that the manufacturer, Merck had failed to adequately warn their patients and healthcare providers about the risks of the side effects of Fosamax.
However Merck defended it's actions and argued that it proposed label changes to the FDA, but the agency had rejected them and Merck also argued that federal law preempts state law failure to warn claims, that cited the FDA's 2019 communication and rejected a warning about femoral fractures.
Fosamax is still available by prescription and is still used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.