An association between Jaw death and the osteoporosis drug Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) has been seen
. The parts of the jawbone are affected by the serious condition known as Osteonecrosis of the jaw. If it remains untreated, it can lead to extreme pain which may require removal of the jaw.
Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug designed to cure bone loss caused by osteoporosis among women during post-menopausal period. About 3,000 cases of ONJ have been reported since 2003 and more than 10 million have used Fosamax after it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995.
Positivity of symptoms of osteonecrosis among patients taking bisphosphonates has been published in a letter by the Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Dozens of these osteonecrosis cases are associated with Fosamax according to a research supporting this claim.
Fosamax users can experience a number of abnormalities. These include:
Loosening of the teeth
Visible jawbone
Distended jaw
Infected gums or jaw
Loss of sensation
Loosening of gums
Gums that heal slowly
It can lead a doctor to a bone disease diagnosis because it may take several weeks and months before the symptoms occur. It will result to damaged bone tissues and collapsed joints if osteonecrosis stays undetected.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be diagnosed using imaging scans. A bone biopsy on some occasions can be performed. There is no definite way to treat osteonecrosis. To treat bone diseases including osteonecrosis, a clinical research has been made to develop surgical techniques. However, early detection of the condition provides the patient options for treatment.
Many are unaware of the risks of taking the drug until they developed osteonecrosis. In 2004, Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax has been required to spread out warnings to health professionals and to include risk information in labels of Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs.
Merck is already on a fight against Fosamax lawsuit. Fosamax has been blamed on the sufferings of thousands of patients who have taken this osteoporosis drug. Mercks top earning contributor, Fosamax, was never pulled out from markets despite the mounting Fosamax lawsuit filed against the company.