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Bisphosphonate drugs and osteonecrosis of the jaw

March 13th, 2008 by Todd Hageman

Bisphosphonate drugs help prevent bone resorption in patients with osteoporosis, or in patients with advanced forms of cancer that have metastasized to the bone.  Resorption occurs when the bone breaks down and is absorbed into the blood stream.  Bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, Aredia, and Zometa, among others, prevent this from occurring by affecting the “remoldeling” of bones, which is the process where old bone is taken away and new bone is created.

The problem with these drugs is that they lead to another problem – osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as “dead jaw” or “phossy jaw.”  That happens when the bones in the jaw die and then break down.  While it is extremely painful and debilitating, it is often not fatal in modern society.

The active ingredients in these drugs is very similar to certain phosphorous byproducts that were commonly found in mines in the late 1800s.  The term “phossy jaw” comes from a condition common among phosphorus miners in which their jawbones would breakdown and protrude from their mouth.   

The manufacturers of these drugs have known for years that these drugs could cause osteonecrosis.  It was only in 2005, for example, that Novartis, the manufacturer of Aredia, included a warning in their package inserts and specifically warn doctors – which was months after being requested to do so by the FDA.  This past January, the FDA issued a statement on their website “highlighting the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint and/or muscle pain in patients taking bisphosphonates.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from osteonecrosis as a result of taking a bisphosphonate drug, such as Aredia, Zometa or Fosamax, contact Todd Hageman toll free at 1-877-767-3108 or e-mail THageman@simonpassanante.com.

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