Fosamax Cases Build Against Merck

Merck & Co. is facing an increasing number of lawsuits over its osteoporosis drug Fosamax, even as it has announced a possible $4.85 billion settlement of claims related to its painkiller Vioxx.

The roughly 340 Fosamax suits filed as of Sept. 30 claim the drug can cause a bone-wasting condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, as well as joint pain and bone fractures, the Wall Street Journal reports (sub. req.). The company has set aside $48 million in reserves for the litigation.

Merck maintains its drug label already warns patients of pain and there is no evidence of increased fractures in those who take the drug.