From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Researchers now believe that the number of people taking oral osteoporosis drugs who will develop a troublesome jaw condition may be higher than previously estimated. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is characterized by pain, soft-tissue swelling, infection, loose teeth, and exposed bone. Previous studies showed that the risk of ONJ from taking oral bisphosphonates were negligible, but new research shows that the risk is much higher. The most commonly prescribed oral bisphosphonate prescribed in the US is Fosamax (alendronate), which is used to reduce the risk of bone fracture and increase bone mass in patients with osteoporosis. ONJ is now being seen in patients who have been taking Fosamax for as little as a year, and most commonly develops after routine tooth extraction. Merck, the company that makes Fosamax, has released a statement that calls the new study flawed and unreliable. Meanwhile, some dentists are beginning to screen all patients on their use of bisphosphonates.

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