Since 2003, more than 3,000 published cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) have been reported from taking bisphosphonates. While most of the cases involve cancer patients who take the intravenous versions of the drug; a few years ago, ONJ began turning up in healthy women taking Fosamax to increase bone density.Most documented cases have been in people who have had a tooth extraction, a root canal, oral surgery or some other type of mouth trauma. At present there is no effective treatment or cure for ONJ. And stopping Fosamax before dental work will not lower the risk of ONJ because the drug remains in the bones for up to 10 years.
Until recently Fosamax was prescribed to older women with osteoporosis, a known risk factor in bone fracture. But in recent years, Merck has aggressively promoted the drug for use by much young women still in their 40s and 50s, who have minimal risk factors. And due to an intentional marketing strategy by Merck, these younger women are being advised to stay on Fosamax for the rest of their lives.
Although Fosamax may improve bone density, as far as fracture prevention, experts say its benefits are modest and that in fact, if taken for more than ten years, the drug can actually make bones more brittle and more likely to fracture. (Scoop)
