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Friday, August, 29, 2008

Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

by  Lila de Tantillo
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Lila de Tantillo
Lila de Tantillo
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Journalist, Caregiver

I am a journalist living in Sebring, FL. I have a two-year-old son ...

Lila de Tantillo

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There has been much discussion among doctors, dentists and patients about the benefits of bisphosphonate medications (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast) and the potential risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition, which involves painful, exposed bone in the jaw that doe...

  1. Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
    jeffreydachmd
    Friday, March 14, 2008 at 06:14 AM

    Bisphosphonates Increase the Fracture Rates for Osteopenia

     

    The fracture rates for women with osteopenia (T greater than -2.5) actually increases on bisphosphonates. JAMA.1998;280:2077-2082.Cummings

     

    The following is a quote from John Abramson's book, Overdosed America, Chapter 13.

     

    "What about using these drugs to prevent osteoporosis? The study of Fosamax published in JAMA in 1998 also included women with osteopenia. Did Fosamax reduce their risk of fracture? The results show that the risk of hip fractures actually went up 84 percent with Fosamax treatment. The risk of wrist fractures increased by about 50 percent." JAMA.1998;280:2077-2082.Cummings.

     

    Hip and Wrist fractures WENT UP with Fosamax in that group!!! This indicates severe derangement of bone physiology by a bad drug which is in litigation now becasue of osteonecrosis of the jaw.  The jaw bone falls apart indicating weakening of the bones, not strengthening.

     

    For more see:

    Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis, A Closer Look at the Data by Jeffrey Dach MD

     

    Jeffrey Dach MD

    http://www.drdach.com

     


    reply
    re: Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
    Lila de Tantillo
    Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 04:27 PM
    Thanks so much for sharing your viewpoint. Clearly bisphosphonate medication is not the best treatment for everyone, and the question of when (and whether) to treat osteopenia -- as opposed to osteoporosis -- with prescription medication is a great subject for discussion. That's why it's so important for us to be aware of our bone density and other risk factors and have a serious conversation with a physician about the what course of action makes the most sense for one's particular situation.
    reply
  2. JADA's Cover story Jan 2008 ONJ and BISPHOSPHONATES
    John Berryman
    Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 12:15 AM
    http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/abstract/139/1/32
    reply

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