Bone Drugs Linked to Alarming Destruction of Jaw Bone
Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking Fosamax and other bone-building medications like it have reported bone death in their jaws, mostly after a minor trauma such as getting a tooth extracted. Most were taking especially potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs, which are known as bisphosphonates.
An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates in pill form to prevent bone thinning have been stricken with such incapacitating bone, joint or muscle pain that some were bedridden and others required walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.
The incidence of both these complications is minuscule in comparison with the millions of people taking these medications. More than 36 million prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates, such as Actonel, Fosamax and Boniva, were dispensed in 2005, according to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical information and consulting company. Nearly 3 million cancer patients have been treated with intravenous versions of the medications.
But because at least 90% of drug side effects aren't reported to the Food and Drug Administration, the real number of people stricken with jaw necrosis and other side effects could be higher.
"We've uncovered about 1,000 patients [with jaw necrosis] in the past six to nine months alone, so the magnitude of the problem is just starting to be recognized," says Kenneth M. Hargreaves, chair of the endodontics department at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
The rare side effect, called osteonecrosis of the jaw, causes severe infections, swelling and the loosening of teeth. Patients often require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.
With concern growing over the possible side effect, the American Assn. of Endodontists released a position statement on the problem. "Until further information is available, it would appear prudent to consider all patients taking bisphosphonates to be at some risk," the group said.
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Dr Hyla Cass is one of the country's foremost authors and speakers on the subject of integrative medicine. A former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, she has incorporated nutrition and natural health techniques into her practice for more than 20 years.
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Anonymous
I started waking up with headaches which seem to be a result of clenching of my jaws while I sleep. Now that I think of it the headaches started about the same time when I started taking Fosamax. The insert my dentist constructed which I am to use at night does not help, I still seem to clench my jaws. Someone suggested inositol (part of B vitamins) to take before sleep. This seems to help. I wonder if my problem is the result of taking Fosamax.
Anonymous
I have been on Boniva for 5 years and just recently developed pain in my jaw and gum area on left side. Was badly swollen and infected. Having no dental insurance I put it off for a month and tried treating it myself...big mistake.....it got so bad I had no choice but to seek help. I now have a small portion of bone showing through on the top left side of gum....I wear dentures and was unable to even use them during this time.
Dentist said this will never heal or I should say the skin will never grow back over this section of bone. Thanks Boniva :(
Now I wonder what will happen if I stop this drug suddenly? But stop I will. I'd rather take my chances without Boniva.
Last night I woke up from the dull ache in my jaw and couldn't get back to sleep. Tried an ice pack hoping that would stop the ache, but needless to say I was up all night. I pray this won't be a life long side effect from this drug.
Maybe more of us Boniva sufferers should let the company know the problems we're having. That's the only way they'll know their product is dangerous not just to a few but alot of us that haven't spoke up yet...Now is the time to do it. Get this drug off the market.
Anonymous
I have been taking Boniva a little over 3 yrs 1x mo dosage. I had root canal on a molar Oct '08 and have pain in the tooth ever since which makes no sense since the nerves are dead. The dentist suggested I remove the tooth but when oral surgeon looked at my medical history, upon seeing I was on Boniva told me of the risks involved ie not healing, bone loss, jaw damage, bone pieces literally coming out thru wound. Why didn't my md tell me of these risks. % may be low but it could happen to me. I went for a blood test to see how high my risk is and I am awaiting the results.
I am scared to death and furious that the company didn't think this a serious enough problem to list in their warnings. Also the drug co tests say it is 1% of people taking Boniva and all other osteoporosis rx's that are at risk but oral surgeon told me that tests by drs this past Spring show it is 4%, significantly higher.
B
I have been on oral Boniva 1X month for about 3 years. Like mentioned in the prior posting, I also need a tooth pulled. It is temporarily stable, but won't last too many months as the crack is below the surface.
The oral surgeon told me to take a CTX blood test (Collagen type I C- telepeptide), and unfortunately the result was not 150 or higher which would have indicated minimal risk. I am retaking the bloodtest after being off Boniva for a month, and we are trying to hold off on the surgery. My question is, "Is the CTX test a reliable marker?"
I would be curious how oral surgery went for the prior posting person, and if the same blood test was ordered. My oral surgeon was concerned about me being on the drug (though less concerned because I had oral, not IV), yet my internist told me not to worry as most problems were with cancer patients. Neither my internist or my gynocologist seemed familiar with the blood test. I wish there was clearer information.
Anonymous
I have been taking Boniva for 15 months. This morning I took it & within 10 minutes, my mouth turned red, my left cheek & lip were swollen, I was itchy with red blotches and pain in upper abdomen. I went to the ER & the gave me a steriod, histamine & antacid & sent me home. I have to continue this treatment here at home for 3 days. Interesting thing is that within the last 6 months I have had jaw pain, clenching (never had these symptoms before) and recently thought I had an infected tooth. I will not take Boniva again & do not know if I will take another calcium pill again. I took Actonel for a few years with no side effects, but it costs twice as much on my prescription plan. I may just return to Actonel or try Fosamax, if I have to.
Anonymous
I was on Boniva monthly for over 5 years. I started with joint pain that increasing became severe. It was every joint in my body including back and neck/jaw pain. I went to my GP and had xrays of every joint in my body, each wrist, elbow, knee and ankle. They all cam back negative. I went to a wedding and my knees were throbbing after 1 dance!! Eventually went to an Endocronolgist who advise it was a side effect from bisphosphanates. Quit taking it immediately. After about 2 months I am pain and headached free! The benefit of taking this i not worth the RISK!! It is a fairly new drug, nd I bet will be pulled off the market in the near future. I bet there are many people who don't associate the pains with the pill.
Dana
I have taken Boniva for 3 years. Stopped for about a year, because of cost. And concern about some minor side effects I was having.
In Dec. I lost a crown, not just the crown, the entire post came out also. The dentist told me that he could not replace it as the bone in my jaw is too soft and crumbly. He made me a Temporary" mouth piece with a tooth, that is painful for some reason, and told me to go back on the Boniva and come back in six months or so and he'll try to put in a new crown.
Six weeks ago, around March 10th, I lost another crown, including the post. I also have a piece of bone coming out of my lower gum. I am terrified that my crowns and teeth are all going to start falling out. My dental Insurance won't cover the replacement of the crowns, so I am on my own.
I need some suggestions of what else I can take, as I have had 2 neck surgeries and I know that I need to be on something to harden my bones. I'm 53 years old and am afraid I am going to end up an old hunched over toothless lady!
Also curious if anybody else has had the same problems I am having. After reading these posts, I do know now why my teeth hurt so bad even after a root canal, and probably why I get the shooting nerve pain in my teeth.
Anonymous
Upon taking the second doseof Boniva in pill form, I experienced severe problems in my jaws. I almost felt as though my jaws did not want to work. I also became very ill with aching in my body as if I had the flu. I felt very sick to my stomach when I tried to eat. This last for about a week after taking the medication. My doctor told me to discontinue and not to take any more. I will not have a problem with following her instructions. I wish I would have done more research before taking Boniva. I will continue to take large doses of Calcium with vitamin D, but nothing else for my condition.
Big Pharma
I just want to say thank you to Sally Field for being in the commercials for Boniva - thanks Sally, for bringing pain and suffering to the masses.
Love,
Big Pharma
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