Fossy-Jaw and Fosamax

Fossy-jaw is a good descriptive name for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), also known as "dead jaw". It’s sometimes spelled, more correctly, “phossy-jaw”. This condition – partial death of the jawbone – has been reported extremely rarely in people taking the oral bisphosphonate drugs, that are designed to prevent or treat osteoporosis. These drugs include Fosamax® (taken once a week), Boniva ® (once a month), and Actonel ® (once a week). Not surprisingly, ambulance-chasing lawyers have already acted.

Most cases of fossy-jaw in association with bisphosphonate drugs occur when the drug is taken intravenously; these are usually cancer patients. The overall risk is extremely small, compared with the risk of fractures with osteoporosis; remember that hip fractures in the elderly carry a fairly high mortality rate.

If you take drugs of this class, you can lower your already low risk of getting fossy-jaw by practicing good mouth hygiene and having regular dental check-ups. And talk with your doctor and dentist about stopping your drug for a period before dental work.

Comments

[side effects]

As far as I know stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea is some of the side effects that fosamax can give to a patient, especially if that patient had experienced these effects prior to taken it.

[mzungulady]

If you have sensitive teeth, it's a good idea to look for signs of wear because you could be grinding them in your sleep! A common solution is to wear a mouthguard, but there are alternatives (see my site!)