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Bone Meds could have side effects with bite
Newswise — Doctors often
prescribe bisphosphonates for both
osteoporosis as well as certain cancers.
And
usage has been increasing due to large-scale
marketing and advertising to consumers.
Taken orally, these medications (such as
Boniva® or Fosamax®) can help promote bone
density in women with osteoporosis, and
taken intravenously, can help stop the
spread of cancer in chemotherapy patients.
However,
the use of bisphosphonates has also been
linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw, more
commonly known as “dead jaw.”
Osteonecrosis occurs when part of the
jawbone essentially dies and becomes
exposed. The disease is more prevalent among
patients who receive bisphosphonates through
an I.V., but Jon Suzuki, D.D.S, Ph.D.,
M.B.A., professor and director of the
graduate program in periodontology at Temple
University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of
Dentistry, says physicians and dental
professionals should still keep a close eye
on their patients who take the oral form.
“This is a
very complex issue, and our understanding of
it continues to grow,” said Suzuki.
“Both
dental and medical professionals need to
maintain open lines of communication with
each other to ensure the best care for their
patients who are taking bisphosphonates.”
Previous
studies have found between 1 and 10 patients
out of 100 who receive bisphosphonates
through an IV are at risk of the disease,
while only about 1 in 100,000 patients
taking the oral form are at risk.
Existing research suggests that taking these
medications orally for more than three years
or intravenously for more than six months
could disturb the balance between bone cells
that produce calcium and those that remove
calcium.
This
condition can lead to oral health problems
including loose teeth, jaw and gum pain,
swelling and infection, numbness and gum
loss.
Patients who have existing dental problems
or have just had dental work and are taking
bisphosphonates are also at higher risk for
osteonecrosis. Suzuki advises that these
patients have a full dental exam to
determine the health of their jaw and what
level of bisphosphonates would be
appropriate.
“If a patient needs dental surgery, the
dentist and treating physicians need to
decide whether other treatment options,
including systemic antibiotics or
antimicrobial mouth rinses, can help reduce
the risk of osteonecrosis,” he said.
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