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Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Dentistry
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dr. Henry Kim
Affectionate Dental Care
Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry
Bisphosphonates:
- Fosamax (alendronate sodium)
- Actonel (risedronate sodium)
- Zometa (zoledronic acid)
- Aredia (pamidronate)
- Bonefos, Ostac (clodronate)
- Didronel (etidronate)
- Boniva (obandronate)
- Skelid (tiludronate)
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Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that
inhibit the resorption or breakdown of bone tissue.
Bisphosphonates are used
for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, multiple myeloma and other
conditions that involve bone fragility. In the last 10 years, millions of
patients have taken Bisphosphonates for the prevention of osteoporosis and
bone thinning from cancer. Bisphosphonates once seemed safe, but lately
concerns have been raised. Many women have been taking Bisphosphonates
thinking that these drugs were okay since their doctors probably did not
caution them on potential risks.
However, bisphosphante use
is now believed to be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is an uncommon complication, but it is estimated
that among the 500,000 American cancer patients who take the drugs because
their disease is affecting their bones, 1 to 10 percent may develop the
problem. Some dentists are refusing to treat patients taking the drugs,
fearful that the dental work will induce a case of osteonecrosis, and
lawyers are lining up to sue the drugs' makers, saying they failed to give
patients adequate warning.
Cancer patients, mostly
those with multiple myeloma and breast cancer whose disease has spread to
their bones, generally take one of two Bisphosphonates, Zometa or the older
Aredia, intravenously. Osteoporosis patients usually take Bisphosphonates as
pills, in much lower doses that patients with cancer. Those Bisphosphonates
drugs ?Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva ?reduce the risk of fractures of the
spine or hip, injuries that can create a steady downward spiral in patients'
condition.
At this time, it may be too early to know for certain how prevalent and
serious are the risks from Bisphosphonates, including osteonecrosis, but if
you are taking them, ask your doctor if you really need them and whether the
risks are worth the potential benefits. In previous issues I mentioned that
calcium supplements at 600 mg to 1200 mg a day are beneficial, and, of
course, exercise and weight lifting are the most helpful.
Bisphosphonates have been
linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw(ONJ).
FDA informed dental healthcare
professionals of revisions to the prescribing information to describe the
occurrence of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) observed in cancer patients
receiving treatment with the intravenous Bisphosphonates, Aredia (pamidronate
disodium). The letter also noted that patients should avoid invasive dental
procedures (dental implants) while on the drug. Novartis first warned of the jaw ailment in
September 2004 and made doctors and dentists aware of the side effect.
Talk to your Dentist if you
are taking these drugs and get a proper advise on your Dental Treatments.
For the great smile make over in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson area of Nevada,
contact our cosmetic dentistry professionals. Schedule your free consultation
today! 702.876.3222
© 2005 Henry Kim DDS |
