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FOSAMAX LINKED TO OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW
by Heidi Turner
Fosamax, a bisphosonate commonly used to treat osteoporosis, has been linked to a serious bone condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). This disease is also known as "dead jaw."
A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons first revealed the association between ONJ and Fosamax, which led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the safety of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates.
Lawsuits recently filed against Merck, makers of Fosamax, claim that Merck knew about the side effects associated with Fosamax but withheld that information from the public. Despite receiving a request from the FDA to update the label for Fosamax to include a warning about Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in January 2005, updated labels were not made available until seven months later, in July 2005.
Since 2001, over 2,400 patients taking bisphosphonates such as Fosamax have reported cases of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. The majority of these instances were reported by people who took the bisphosphonates intravenously, however there have also been reports of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in people who took the drugs in pill form.
Fosamax (generically known as alendronate) is prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax that are given for osteoporosis are usually taken in tablet form and help prevent serious fractures. When Fosamax is used in cancer chemotherapy it is given intravenously. In patients with cancer, Fosamax and bisphosphonates are used to reduce bone pain and to help control malignancy that has spread to the bones.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw is a disease that is caused by a restriction in the blood flow to the jawbone after minor surgeries such as tooth extractions. The restricted blood flow results in jawbone tissue not healing properly which causes the tissue to die. This leaves the bone in the jaw exposed which can result in infections and fractures possibly requiring surgery. People with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw report severe pain, difficulty speaking and eating, and mouth sores that refuse to heal.
There is currently no cure for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Treatment includes either long term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.
Symptoms of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury to or surgery on the gums. People who experience any of these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately to discuss their options.
If you are taking Fosamax it is advised that you do not have any unnecessary dental work and delay necessary dental work if at all possible. If it is not possible to delay dental work, speak with your physician about whether or not to continue taking Fosamax.
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