Severe Side Effect Of Bisphosponates
Bisphosphonates are a community of bone-strengthening drugs used to arrest bone loss linked with multiple myeloma, bone metastases in patients with advanced cancers, and osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates have a dangerous side effect, jaw osteonecrosis (ONJ). ONJ is an abnormality in which part of the jaw bone is no longer alive and cannot restore itself due to a lack of blood supply.
The condition is also known as;
- Osteonecrosis
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
- ONJ
- Jaw Death
- Dead Jaw
- BisPhossy Jaw
- Jaw Necrosis
Between 2001 and 2003, two oral surgeons began researching ONJ after seeing an remarkable hike up in the number of patients with deteriorating jawbones. The two surgeons discovered a common thread existed– the patients had been treated with Bisphosphonates.
Orally administered bisphosphonates linked to ONJ;
- Actonel
- Boniva
- Fosamax
- Fosamax Plus D
- Skelid
- Didronel
Intravenously administered bisphosphonates linked to ONJ;
- Aredia
- Bonefos
- Zometa
Although most cases of jaw osteonecrosis related to Bisphosphonates side effects occured after dental operations, a few cases have been reported to occur without any prior dental work.
Characteristic indications and symptoms of ONJ include;
- Pain
- Soft-Tissue Swelling
- Jaw Swelling
- Loosening of Teeth
- Drainage
- Exposed Bone
- Infection
If you or any member of your family has suffered Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) please contact us immediately.
