Can Fosamax cause jaw problems?

Health Risks There have been reports that some people who take Fosamax have developed a serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition in which bone tissue in the jaw dies, causing pain and the possible collapse of the jaw bone.

What are symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw?

What are the symptoms of ONJ?

  • pain or swelling in the mouth.
  • non-healing of a tooth socket after removal of teeth.
  • loosening of teeth.
  • an area of exposed bone in the mouth.
  • poor healing or infection of the gums.
  • numbness or the feeling of heaviness in the jaw.
  • discharge of pus.

Is osteonecrosis of the jaw reversible?

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare side effect of some drugs for osteoporosis and cancer. But early detection, specialized dentistry, and oral surgery can cure it. Patients with osteoporosis are often prescribed medications that can help prevent severe bone fractures.

Why was Fosamax recalled?

Sun Pharma announced a recall of Alendronate Sodium Tablets 70mg, the generic version of Merck’s Fosamax due to stability results. Alendronate Sodium is a bisphosphonate indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Why do bisphosphonates cause osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is thought to be caused by trauma to dentoalveolar structures that have a limited capacity for bone healing due to the effects of bisphosphonate therapy. See the image below. Exposed, necrotic bone in the left anterior maxilla.

Is there a lawsuit against Fosamax?

Merck faces thousands of lawsuits for its osteoporosis drug, Fosamax (alendronate sodium). In addition to several state lawsuits, the drugmaker faces three groups of consolidated Fosamax litigations. The main injuries claimed in these lawsuits are osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femur fractures.

Can alendronate cause jaw problems?

Bisphosphonates — such as alendronate (Fosamax, Binosto), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), ibandronate (Boniva) and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) — and denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) have been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures.

Is osteoradionecrosis fatal?

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull is a rare but fatal complication of radiation therapy for the treatment of head and neck malignancies.

What is the status of the Fosamax lawsuit?

For more than a decade, Merck has been defending itself against claims its osteoporosis drug Fosamax caused patients to suffer “atypical femoral fractures,” even taking its fight to the Supreme Court, where it eked out a win. Now, after that SCOTUS fight, the company has prevailed against 500 Fosamax lawsuits.

How common is jaw necrosis with Fosamax?

The overall incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is low, ranging from 0.7% to 12%, mainly observed in those patients receiving intravenously treatment. Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated to oral bisphosphonate, particularly alendronate, has also been reported by a number of authors.