Jawbone The Bombshell Bluetooth Headset
Public Citizen Names Two Groups For Whom Fosamax Has No Benefit of Therapy
Because millions of Americans are afflicted with osteoporosis, bone-strengthening drug Fosamax has been considered one of the bestselling drugs in the United States and North America. Unfortunately, the benefits of this bisphosphonate comes along with unwanted consequences like the risk osteonecrosis of the jaw. Now, what is osteonecrosis of the jaw and what everyone needs to know about this serious dental condition?
In the recent past, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had discussed about health care providers not carefully prescribing biphosphonates to their patients. Consumer support group Public Citizen mentioned two groups who are not getting any benefits from Fosamax treatment. These groups may only be putting themselves at risk of developing this jaw bone disease unnecessarily.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw, commonly referred to as ONJ or “dead jaw,” is a disease characterized by an exposure of the jawbone. It usually occurs when part of the bone does not get enough blood supply, leading to the death of the bone tissue. Scientists have coined the terms “Bis-phossy Jaw” and BON for ONJ in relation to the use of bisphosphonates like Fosamax.
In the early stage, the disease is often asymptomatic, but as it progresses, patient would feel pain, swelling and redness related to an infection on the gums. The hallmark sign of ONJ is the exposure of bone tissue which lasts for more than 2 months. Furthermore, a dental procedure would often exacerbate or worsen the condition.
In most cases, ONJ is treated non-surgically with antimicrobial rinses, systemic antibiotics, systemic or topical antifungal medications and pain reliever. In later stages, treatment might require surgical debridement or resection in conjunction with other nonsurgical treatment. It if best for anyone who have the symptoms to inform his/her dental specialist know if he/she is on bisphosphonate therapy before any dental procedure – even minor surgery – is performed.
The revisions involving ONJ risk made by Merck on Fosamax label per FDA’s request have been made available to the public in July 2005. Yet, some Fosamax patients, who are using the drug for a long time, believed that Merck did not properly warned its patients, causing them to deal with the side effects and other drug backlash. Consequently the affected parties initiated the filing of Fosamax lawsuit against the maker of the drug.