BRIEF: Kailua Woman Sues Merck After Breaking Bone [the Honolulu Star-Advertiser]

From Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI) (June 30, 2011)

June 29--A Kailua retired schoolteacher sued the drug maker Merck & Co. today in federal court in Honolulu, claiming she broke her thigh bone as a result of taking the prescription drug Fosamax for eight years.

Gary Galiher, of Galiher DeRobertis Ono, is representing Lois Takamori in the suit.

Takamori, 62, began taking Fosamax in 2001 when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She broke her thigh bone in 2009 while stepping backward at a gym, Galiher said. Takamori now walks with a cane.

Ron Rogers, a spokesman for New Jersey-based Merck, said four lawsuits involving Fosamax have gotten as far as a verdict. Merck won three of those cases and lost one.

Rogers said patients should talk with their healthcare providers if they have any questions about osteoporosis or the benefits and risks of Fosamax.

Galiher said Takamori's suit is the first Fosamax suit in Hawaii. There are 40 similar cases pending in 14 districts across the nation, he said.

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Posted: June 2011