Osteoporosis Drugs May Cause Jaw Disease

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on October 14, 2006

According to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, all medications belonging to a class called biophosphonates have the potential to cause jawbone disease. This group includes orally administered drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel, and Bonivia, as well as intravenously administered drugs, including Aredia, Bonefos, Didronel, and Zometa.

In a healthy jawbone, there are an equal number of bone-building cells, called osteoblasts, and bone-destroying cells, called osteoclasts. Patients with osteoporosis use biophosphonates to reduce the number of osteoclasts, thereby strengthening overall bone structure.

Recent studies have suggested that in some patients, the use of biophosphonates impairs the body’s ability to create new blood vessels and repair damaged vessels. This side effect can cause poor tissue healing and bone and tissue death. Many times, surgical procedures such as gum surgery and tooth extractions are the catalysts that cause biophosphonate users to develop osteoneucrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition include loose teeth, sore or swollen gums, fluid drainage, and exposed bone.

If you have taken or are currently taking Fosamax and are concerned about the possibility of developing osteoneucrosis of the jaw, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.

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