Fosamax and Jaw Health: Understanding Osteonecrosis Risks

Question
What about jaw deterioration from taking Fosomax?

I have heard that is a problem.  My drug insurance wants me to change from Actonelle to Fosomax.

Answer
Sue,

The only ones I know that are really excited about the popular osteoporosis drug Fosamax (alendronate sodium) being 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) are Medical Plaintiff attorneys who stand to make huge sums of money from the pharmaceutical companies in class action law suits.  

I personally have not seen any cases, but certainly it is something to watch out for.  Any one of the bisphosphonate class of drugs could theoretically cause the problem, so jumping from one drug in the class to another may not necessarily prevent this condition from developing.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net