Dentists Concerned about Fosamax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Doctors aren't the only people concerned about the links between Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and Fosamax. Dentists are seeing more cases of ONJ in their patients who have taken drugs like Fosamax.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is now warning dentists to use conservative dental procedures in patients taking oral medications such as Fosamax. Furthermore, the ADA is recommending that patients planning on taking Fosamax have any required dental procedures completed before beginning their medication.

In August of last year, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs developed recommendations for dentists to follow when treating patients taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonates. The recommendations include antibiotic therapy, use of oral disinfectants, and proper sterile technique.

In most cases, ONJ has turned up in patients after routine dental work such as having a tooth pulled. However, the ADA notes that in a few cases ONJ has occurred spontaneously, with no dental work done prior to onset of the condition.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is the technical name for dying jawbone and occurs because the bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. The condition has been linked to Fosamax, an osteoporosis medication. Symptoms of ONJ include pain, numbness, burning, tingling, heaviness of the jaw, exposed jaw bone, infection, soft-tissue swelling, and loose teeth. Treatment of ONJ can include surgery to remove the dying bone tissue or long-term antibiotic therapy.

Fosamax is in a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. When used to strengthen bones, the drugs are given in pill form; however they can also be given intravenously for patients who are suffering from cancers that attack the bones.

Patients suffering from ONJ after taking Fosamax are now beginning to file lawsuits against Merck and Co., Inc, the Fosamax manufacturer. According to a report at CNN.com, as of May of last year, 15 lawsuits had been filed against Merck, claiming the company withheld information about health risks associated with taking Fosamax. A class action lawsuit was filed against Merck on April 12, 2006 seeking damages for adverse reactions to Fosamax, attorney fees, a medical monitoring program and an order for Merck to warn the public about the potential risks associated with taking Fosamax.

Fosamax (known generically as alendronate) was approved for use by the FDA in 1995.

If you have suffered from ONJ as a result of taking Fosamax, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an attorney to discuss your options.