Monday, May 28, 2012
Don't let RA limit your routineLearn more now about a treatment that may help
Monday, March 30, 2009 locked jaw asks

Q: Locking Jaw after start of treatment

I have been on Boniva pill once a month for the past 9 months as a supplement to cancer treatment, I have developed jaw problems 4 months ago and have seen mulitiple doctors without help. Could Boniva be the cause of my jaw locking up and what is the cure? Problem has been progressively getting worst to the point  I can not  talk or eat properly. 

Boniva was prescribed by cancer doctor to supplement as side affects for Famara.  Has anyone else experienced this problem and been able to fix.  I had joint discomfort when I origianlly took the drug but the Chemo doctor said that was normal.a

Answer This
Answers (1)
Pam Flores, Health Guide
3/31/09 7:31pm

Hi:  Sorry about your problem, have you tried seeing an oral surgeon for another opinion?  It's hard to say if oral Boniva could cause this.  There is a small risk of having a bone disorder called Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, but this is mostly seen in those who took the stronger more frequent intravenous cancer dose of bisphosphonates, and it's also seen in very small numbers of those taking the oral dose of these meds for prolonged periods of time.

 

"The symptoms are pain, soft-tissue swelling and infection, loosening of the teeth, drainage and exposed bone in the mouth (American Dental Association 2006)."  Exposed bone must be evident for 8 weeks or more for a diagnosis without prior radiation to the head or neck.

 

What you describe doesn't sound like the above which is usually a result of a tooth extraction or dental surgery with soft tissue damage.  Since this is rare, I would try to get another opinion on it to see if you can't find out what's going on.

 

Good luck and keep us posted if you need more help.

 

 

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1303) >
By locked jaw— Last Modified: 11/15/10, First Published: 03/30/09