Fosamax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw have been linked through ongoing research into development of the serious bone condition as a result of bisphosphonate use. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has previously been linked with intravenous bisphosphonates like Aredia (pamidronate) and Zometa (zolendronate), though it has not been until more recently that it has been linked with use of oral bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax (alendronate).

Although osteonecrosis is most often associated with the joints of the hip, shoulder or knee (osteonecrosis of the hip is the most common form of the bone condition), bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis has been shown to affect the bones of the jaw, oftentimes resulting in bone death and jawbone collapse.

Fosamax Side Effects

The development of osteonecrosis of the jaw is the most serious of the Fosamax side effects; however, the ONJ risk is but one of a wide variety of side effects, some of which are more common and less severe than others.

In addition to ONJ development, Fosamax users run the risk of developing a rare immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). SJS is most often caused as the result of an adverse reaction to certain medications. Fosamax users may also find themselves at risk of developing eye/vision problems in addition to incurring generalized pain of the muscles, joints and/or bones.

The use of Fosamax has been linked with the development of a number of gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) abnormalities, some of which can include: obstipation (severe constipation), flatulence, diarrhea, ulceration of the esophagus, abdominal cramping and nausea.

Fosamax users are advised to consult their physician following the initial onset of any of the aforementioned side effects to determine the most effective course-of-action. Certain Fosamax side effects are treatable if they are diagnosed early enough.

About Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare type of bone disease that is caused as a result of a temporary / permanent loss of blood to the bone tissue of the jaw. More often than not, such a loss of blood is associated with a physical trauma of some kind that causes a fracture or break of the jawbone; however, the condition has also been linked with use of certain drugs called bisphosphonates (the link between ONJ and Fosamax has lead to the recent windfall of Fosamax lawsuits).

If a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw is misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed, it can potentially result in irreversible bone damage that may include joint collapse. The treatments for osteonecrosis of the jaw vary dependent on the patient and the extent to which the bone disease has developed. While surgical treatments are an option, they have proven to produce limited success for patients suffering from bisphosphonate-induced ONJ. The most common treatments typically include discontinued use of bisphophonates, pain control, infection management and the use of various antimicrobial oral rinses. Thus far, no ONJ treatments have proven to be effective in combating the serious bone condition.