Osteonecrosis of the Jaw As A Serious Side Effect of Fosamax - By: Ronald K. Redman

Generically known as alendronate sodium, Fosamax is a popular drug that belongs to the group of biphosphonates and is known as a treatment for osteoporosis and other diseases related to bone mineral density problems. As of now, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been found out to be its serious side effect causing the drugs to face serious problems. Currently, this has made a New York dentist to addressed questions about Fosamax and dental health in a leading newspaper.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a severe bone disease that affects the jaws, both the maxilla and the mandible. When the blood supply to a certain bone tissue is reduced (ischemia), damage and death to the areas of jaw bone occurs. By and large, it the dentists who first detect ONJ after a dental surgical procedure such as tooth extraction.

As previously told to the public, the cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by Fosamax and other biphosphonates are relatively rare and negligible. However, a study published on the Journal of the American Dental Association described a significant risk, about 4%, of osteonecrosis of the jaw even from oral use of Fosamax.

The presenting signs of ONJ are loose teeth and exposed bone, though it may occur without any symptoms. Moreover, patient may experience pain on the jaw or gum and there may be presence of swelling or infection and gum loss. The most distinctive sign of ONJ however is the disclosure of mandibular and/or maxillary bone through a sore in the gums that is not convalescing.

The regimen for ONJ would depend on the etiology or the cause of the disease and the severity of the disease process. Medical management of the biphosphonate-related ONJ is comprises oral antimicrobial cleanses, systemic anti-infectives, systemic and topical antifungals, withdrawal from the biphosphonate therapy and refraining from any dental operations.

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. Careful excision of the dead, devitalized bone, analgesic, and other nonsurgical approach to treat ONJ are more favored than belligerent surgical measures for this type. 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.

Despite how disturbing it is, the decision of withdrawing from your Fosamax therapy needs to be brought up with your doctor first. Furthermore, Fosamax femur fractures are also known to be a side effect of this drug.

About the Author

Ronald Redman, like many others, is concerned about the Side effects of the drug Fosamax. Read more updates about "Fosamax Lawsuits" here.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Ronald-K--Redman/172117

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