September 2008

Osteoporosis drugs can "kill" jawbone

Medical doctors often prescribe bisphosphonates for both osteoporosis as well as certain cancers, and usage has been increasing due to large-scale marketing and advertising to consumers.

Taken orally, these medications (such as Boniva or Fosamax) are aimed at promoting bone density in women with osteoporosis, and taken intravenously, are supposed to help stop the spread of cancer in chemotherapy patients. However, the use of bisphosphonates has also been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw, more commonly known as "dead jaw."

Osteonecrosis occurs when part of the jawbone essentially dies and becomes exposed. The disease is more prevalent among patients who receive bisphosphonates through an I.V., but researchers are now expressing concern about patients who take the oral form.

Existing research suggests that taking these medications orally for more than three years or intravenously for more than six months could disturb the balance between bone cells that produce calcium and those that remove calcium. This condition can lead to oral health problems including loose teeth, jaw and gum pain, swelling and infection, numbness and gum loss.

SOURCE: "Bone Meds Could Have Side Effects with Bite," Temple University, Aug. 2008.