Fosamax: Adverse Reports just tip of the Iceberg?

Rosemont, ILMore than 10 million men and women are prescribed Fosamax, yet a very small percentage have reported adverse side effects, namely Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ), also known as jaw bone death. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons claim there may be 'serious underreporting' and LawyersandSettlements agree: here are three reports.

Jenny was diagnosed with osteoporosis about the same time she finished menopause. Her doctor prescribed Fosamax and she has been taking it now for about six years. But lately her jaw aches, especially at night just before she goes to bed. And she often hears a 'clicking' sound when she opens and closes her mouth.

Penny spent the better part of 2006 with severe pain in both her upper and lower jaw. She was prescribed antibiotics but the pain wouldn't subside. To make a long story short, her dentist sent her to an oral surgeon and she had several upper teeth removed. Just a few months later, she had the rest of her teeth removed and now wears full dentures. Nobody asked her if she was taking any medications that might have caused this rapid onset of bone loss. "My friend saw something on TV about jaw bone death and its link to Fosamax --she reminded me that my doctor had me on Fosamax for more than five years," says Penny. "Not only was I in so much pain, I also lost about 30 pounds from not being able to eat and I spent days and nights crying from pain I could not control.

"I am a small person and did not want to lose any weight," she adds. "Even though I have stopped taking Fosamax, I don't know if my jaw bone will shrink anymore—if so, I am going to have ongoing problems trying to adjust my dentures."

"I was taking oral Fosamax every day for several years," says Gwen. "Just recently I had a tooth extracted by an oral surgeon and it didn't heal properly so he put me on a course of antibiotics. I thought everything was fine but a few weeks later the other side of my lower jaw started aching. I made an appointment with my regular dentist because I thought it was just a cavity. By the time I got to my dentist the pain had moved to my entire lower jaw and I noticed a few loose teeth. He suggested I go back to the oral surgeon and get implants. He also ordered a bone scan test and I'm waiting for the results...Instead of Fosamax I'm now taking pain killers."