Fosamax, a biphospohonate with the generic name alendronate sodium, has been widely known as a treatment for osteoporosis as well as other conditions that involves lowering bone density. Together with its desired use, Fosamax may adversely cause extreme musculoskeletal pain and more. Arguably the most serious unintended effect is the osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known to many as ONJ, Dead Jaw or Bis-Phossy Jaw.
This severe bone condition, the osteonecrosis of the jaw, involves, both the upper (maxilla)and the lower part (mandible) of the jaw. When the blood supply to a certain bone tissue is reduced (ischemia), damage and death to the areas of jaw bone occurs. The dentists are more likely the first to identify ONJ after a dental procedures like tooth removal.
As what everyone was informend, the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to the use of biphosphonates like Fosamax is very small and insignificant. On the other hand, the Journal of the American Dental Association draw out a study that reveals that 4% of patients using Fosamax, even the oral forms, may develop ONJ.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may occur without any symptoms but it may also present signs of loose teeth and exposed bone. Patient may also feel pain on the jaw or gum with or without swelling or infection and dramatic gum loss. However, the most definitive sign of the osteonecrosis of the jaw is the exposure of mandibular and/or maxillary bone through lesions in the gingival area that do not heal.
The regimen for ONJ would depend on the etiology or the cause of the disease and the severity of the disease process. Oral antimicrobial gargles like Chlorhexidene, systemic antibiotics, systemic or local antifungals, cessation of the biphosphonate and abstaining from any invasive dental procedures are among the nonsurgical treatment of biphosphonate-related ONJ.
Sadly surgical treatments for patients with ONJ related to biphosphonates like Fosamax produce poor results because of the compromised ability of the bone to recuperate. Sagacious debridement, pain medication and other nonsurgical methods are more preferred means to treat this type of ONJ rather than the more intrusive surgical interventions. It is essential to diagnose and treat ONJ at an early stage to let alone the irreversible bone collapse that may result in the facial deformity of the patient.
As bothering as it seems, before deciding to cease your Fosamax therapy, you will need to inform your doctor about your plan.
If you or a loved one has sustained a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw or other similar ailments as a result of Fosamax, you may be eligible for a due compensation from your pain, medical bills and suffering. Consult a Fosamax lawyer to learn more about Fosamax victims’ rights and filing a lawsuit. Hundreds of Fosamax lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs who have suffered from similar case.
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