Know More Facts About Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw

Bone-strengthening medication Fosamax became one of the bestselling drugs in the

United States and the rest of North America due to the millions of people taking this drug for osteoporosis. Unfortunately, the benefits of this bisphosphonate comes along with unwanted consequences like the risk osteonecrosis of the jaw. But what is osteonecrosis of the jaw and what must people in the world need to know about this severe dental problem?

In a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) meeting, the issue about doctors prescribing bisphosphonates indiscriminately was also addressed. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen named two groups who are not getting any benefits from Fosamax therapy. These populations who may be unnecessarily taking the drug are also putting themselves at risk of this jaw bone problem.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as ONJ and "dead jaw," is a condition in which an area of the jawbone is exposed. This bone tissue is poorly nourished with blood until it ultimately dies or necrotizes. The terms Bis-Phossy Jaw and BON are invented by scientists who refer to ONJ as having been brought by the use of bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax.

In the first stage of ONJ, patient would appear to have no symptoms until the disease develops, in which one could feel pain, swelling and redness usually associated with gum infection. A trademark for ONJ is the (visible exposure of) bone tissue which may last for more than eight weeks. {Furthermore, a dental procedure would often exacerbate or worsen the condition.|Additionally, the condition may be worsened by dental procedures like tooth extraction.

ONJ is generally treated with non-surgical approach consisting of antimicrobial rinses, systemic antibiotics, systemic or topical antifungal treatment and pain relievers. In its advanced stage surgical debridement or resection may be necessary, along with other nonsurgical interventions. It is best for anyone to let the dentist know if he or she is on bisphosphonate therapy before any dental procedures or even minor surgeries are performed.

In July 2005, new revisions regarding ONJ risks by Merck on Fosamax label was made available on public as a reponse to the request from the FDA a few months before. However, a number of long-term Fosamax users claimed that Merck failed to properly warn the public about the risks, causing them to suffer from side effects and other repercussions. Consequently the affected parties initiated the filing of Fosamax lawsuit against the maker of the drug.

by: Ronald Redman

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