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What is Fosamax?
Who manufacturers Fosamax?
Are there any reported problems with
Fosamax?
What is osteonecrosis of the jaw?
What are the symptoms of ONJ?
How is ONJ diagnosed?
What are the risk factors for developing
osteonecrosis of the jaw?
Who should not take Fosamax?
What are the potential side effects of
Fosamax?
What should I do if I’m currently
taking Fosamax?
What is Fosamax?
Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium Tablets) is a bisphosphonate
medication used to increase bone mass, reduce bone
fractures, and prevent and treat osteoporosis in
post-menopausal women.
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Who manufacturers Fosamax?
Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Company.
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Are there any reported problems with Fosamax?
Cases of osteonecrosis (involving the jaw) have been
reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. The
majority of the reported cases are in cancer patients
who are having, or have had, a dental procedure.
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What is osteonecrosis of the jaw?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)is a rare condition that
involves the loss, or breakdown, of the jaw bone. ONJ
has been reported in patients with cancer receiving
treatment, including bisphosphonates, chemotherapy,
and/or corticosteroids. The majority of reported cases
have been associated with dental procedures such as
tooth extraction. A dental examination with appropriate
preventive dentistry should be considered prior to
treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with
concomitant risk factors. While on treatment, these
patients should avoid, if possible, invasive dental
procedures. No data are available as to whether
discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy reduces the
risk of ONJ in patients requiring dental procedures.
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What are the symptoms of ONJ?
Tell both your oncologist and your dentist immediately
if you experience any of these symptoms: pain, swelling,
or infection of the gums; loosening of teeth; poor
healing of the gums, and numbness or the feeling of
heaviness in the jaw.
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How is ONJ diagnosed?
To diagnose osteonecrosis of the jaw, doctors may use
x-rays or tests for infection (microbial cultures).
Treatments for osteonecrosis of the jaw may include
antibiotics, oral rinses, and removable mouth
appliances. Minor dental work may be necessary to remove
injured tissue and reduce sharp edges of the bone.
Surgery is typically avoided because it may make the
condition worse.
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What are the risk factors for developing
osteonecrosis of the jaw?
Those at risk for developing ONJ include those
individuals who have:
- Taken bisphosphonates, especially in IV form
- Been involved with concurrent use of steroids
- A previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or
Paget's disease
- Had a traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth
extraction or dental implants.
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Who should not take Fosamax?
Patients who should not take Fosamax include
those who:
- Have certain disorders of the esophagus
- Are unable to stand or sit upright for at
least 30 minutes
- Have low levels of calcium in their blood
- Have severe kidney disease
- Are pregnant or nursing
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What are the potential side
effects of Fosamax?
Some patients may develop severe digestive
reactions including irritation, inflammation or
ulceration (occasionally with bleeding) of the
esophagus. These reactions can cause chest pain,
heartburn or difficulty or pain upon swallowing.
This may occur especially if patients do not
drink a full glass of water with Fosamax and/or
if they lie down in less than 30 minutes or
before their first food of the day. Esophageal
reactions may worsen if patients continue to
take Fosamax after developing symptoms
suggesting irritation of the esophagus.
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What should I do if I’m
currently taking Fosamax?
The most important step for patients currently
taking Fosamax is to discuss their health and
history with their physician. Your doctor is
hopefully aware of the potential health risks
associated with bisphosphonates and may advise
using an alternative in order to minimize the
risk of osteonecrosis from this drug. Patients
must educate themselves on the potential risks,
and, if they experience any side effects, must
immediately contact their doctor.
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