Fosamax Side Effects: Fosamax and the Jaw Deterioration it Leaves Behind
Warning: Fosamax Linked to Serious Side Effects, Osteocronosis
The popular osteoporosis drug Fosamax (alendronate sodium), has now been linked to Osteocronosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis is the destruction (necrosis) of bone tissue, often due to an interference with the supply of blood to the bone.
Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in tablet form to prevent and treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Stronger forms are widely used in the management of advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bone, where the disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures. Several cancers can involve or metastasize to the bone, including lung, breast, prostate, multiple myeloma and others. In cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given intravenously, and usually for long periods of time.
Bisphosphonates block the work of bone cells called osteoclasts, one of two important types of bone cells that are involved in the continuous process of bone remodeling in a delicate balancing act. During this process, osteoblasts (cells that build bone) put calcium in the matrix of the bone and make bone stronger, and osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) take calcium away, diminishing the internal strength of the bone.
Individuals should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while on Fosamax or other bisphosphonates.
What Dentists are saying: click here
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