AREDIA

Death of Jawbone Linked to Bone Drugs
A class of drugs, called bisphosphonates, has been linked to a serious, painful and possibly disfiguring condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ or "dead jaw").  This condition involves decay and death of the jawbone.  Oral bisphosphonates, including Aredia, are often prescribed to treat osteoperosis. The purpose of bisphosphonates Aredia, is to strengthen bone, but the drugs appear to work differently on the jaw bone.  Symptoms of osteonecrosis include jaw pain, inflammation, gums that don't heal, loosening teeth, or a feeling of numbness or heaviness in the jaw.  Often, patients with jaw osteonecrosis will fail to heal properly after even minor dental procedures. 

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed can lead to fractures and infections often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patient using bisphosphonates is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Aredia and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.

Symptoms of “dead jaw” include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.

The highest risk factors for ONJ are:

1) taking bisphosphonates like Aredia, especially in IV form

2) concurrent use of steroids

3) previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease

4) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.

If you have been prescribed Fosamax or Aredia, and have suffered osteonecrosis or dead jaw, please fill out the form below.