"Dead Jaw" Caused by Medications Used to Treat Osteoporosis

"Dead Jaw" Caused by Medications Used to Treat Osteoporosis Bisphosphonates (such as Fosamax) are used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ; "dead jaw") related to the use of bisphosphonates are appearing at an alarming rate.  ONJ is a slow death of bone tissue that occurs because of poor blood supply to the bone, as bisphosphonates prevent replacement of the jaw's old bone cells with new cells that are important for adequate blood supply. The deterioration is painful and often characterized by mouth swelling, loosening of teeth and exposed bone. Sometimes, the problem is not discovered until the person has dental work involving the bone that does not heal, which may lead to jaw fracture or require long-term antibiotic care or surgery. Patients using bisphosphonates intravenously, or who have undergone chemotherapy, have a history of cancer, Paget's disease or osteoporosis, use steroids while on alendronate, or have a history of major dental work are at an increased risk for ONJ. Early diagnosis might prevent or reduce the problems caused by advanced destructive lesions of the jaw bone.  While osteonecrosis can be managed, it is irreversible. Other options are available to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Ask our compounding pharmacist for more information. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an option for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Compounding pharmacists at Pharmacy Innovations work together with women and their health care providers to individualize therapy and meet specific needs. Copyright 2007, Storey Marketing - Monthly Website Updates. All rights reserved. Questions regarding this article should be directed to the compounding professionals at Pharmacy Innovations.