A Missoula jury has awarded $3.2 million to a Montana woman, in a case won against Swiss drug maker Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, manufacturers of a bone-strengthening cancer drug known as Zometa. Peggy L. Stevens, 57, sued the pharmaceutical giant after she started developing serious dental and jaw related problems known as Osteonecrosis of the jaw.

The attorneys for Novartis argued that Stevens was aware of the side effects. However, this case was a huge victory for attorneys in Montana, with the jury ultimately voting 10-2 on October 20 and awarding $3.2 million. Stevens receives $822,000 in lost income and the remaining amount compensated by a jaw alteration,  emotional pain and suffering. Stevens, who was suffering from lymphoma, started developing a degenerative jaw disorder after consuming the drug.

It has been widely discussed that the outcome of this first Zometa lawsuit could turn out to be a historic one against the Swiss drug manufacturer. There are over 550 plaintiffs against the drug company across America.

Zometa: What is It?
Popular trade names of this drug are Zometa, Zomera, Aclasta and Reclast. Zoledronic acid (INN), marketed by Novartis, is a bisphosphonate. This drug is widely used by patients with multiple myeloma and prostate cancer primarily to prevent skeletal fractures. It also heals hypercalcemia of malignancy and is used as a painkiller for bone metastases.

Zometa: Possible Risks Involved
This drug is commonly marketed and distributed to help, prevent and ultimately treat bone losses in Osteoporosis. There are about 36 million people worldwide using this medicine. According to the American College of Chest Physicians, 2.5% to 3% of Zometa users develop a higher risk of serious irregular heart beats which is known as Atrial Fibrillation.

The most common side effects reported by people are:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Cough-up
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Decreased urination
• Severe bone, muscle or joint pain
• Back pain
• Arm/leg pain
• Exposed bone
• Signs of an allergic reaction
• Appetite loss
• Jaw or tooth problems
• Bladder infection
• Low blood pressure
• Mouth sores
• Sore throats
• Yeast infection

There are some other side effects that can be potentially serious and should be reported immediately to the doctor.

Zometa: Get Legal advice
If any of your friends or relatives have developed Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or ‘dead jaw’ after consuming Zometa, get in touch with a Montana personal injury attorney at your earliest. You deserve the best advice and your attorneys in Montana will help you get the maximum compensation.

Please feel free to contact Solomon Neuhardt, an attorney in Billings, MT for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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