FOSAMAX, ZOMETA & BISPHOSPHONATES NEWS
RISK FACTORS FOR ONJ IN NON-CANCER PATIENTS
By Cindy L. Nations
Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax and Zometa, are drugs used to treat and prevent bone loss. These drugs have been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a severe disabling disease sometimes referred to as “dead jaw” or “jaw bone death”.
The majority of reported cases of ONJ have occurred in cancer patients who undergo dental procedures while receiving bisphosphonate therapy.
In a recently completed study (pdf format 468Kb) , researchers conducted a systematic review of available data to determine if the same risk factors are present in non-cancer patients taking bisphosphonates as in cancer patients.
The researchers concluded that in non-cancer patients taking bisphosphonates, ONJ appears to occur in patients who are over the age of 60; following invasive dental procedures; among patients with underlying medical conditions, other than bone disease; and among patients receiving multiple drugs affecting bone metabolism.
Source: Law Firm of Howard L. Nations
www.howardnations.com
June 9, 2008
The above-referenced study was published in the American Journal of Medicine
www.amjmed.com
Volume 121, Issue 6, pages 475- 483.e3. June 2008.
SIDE EFFECT WATCH: FEMUR FRACTURES IN FOSAMAX PATIENTS
By Heather Won Tesoriero
A study in the current issue of the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma links Merck’s osteoporosis drug Fosamax to a rare type of fracture in the femur. The small, observational study looked at 70 patients who experienced low-energy femur fractures, which occur when someone falls from a standing height or less. Twenty-five patients (36%) were taking Fosamax on average for four years or more. (Read more ...)
URL:http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/06/04/side-effect-watch-femur-fractures-in-fosamax-patients/
Source:
Wall Street Journal Health Blog
URL: http://blogs.wsj.com/health
Posted June 4, 2008
BISPHOSPHONATES MAY CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS
By Cindy L. Nations
New studies show a possible association between bisphosphonates and atrial fibrillation. Two new studies published in the May 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine show an increased rate of serious atrial fibrillation in women taking Fosamax or Reclast. "Serious" was defined as life-threatening or resulting in hospitalization or disability. The subjects were older women with osteoporosis. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder, which can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and stroke. It is usually not life-threatening but can lead to complications. The FDA issued an "early communication" on October 1, 2007 to inform the public about the possible risk. At this time, they are not recommending any changes in the use of bisphosphonates. They are urging people to report any side effects from these drugs while they continue their investigation.
Source:
The Law Offices of Howard L. Nations
October 2, 2007
BISPHOSPHONATES AND JAW OSTEONECROSIS
By Linda A. Russell, M.D.
Although the risk of jaw osteonecrosis appears to be relatively low among patients receiving oral bisphosphonates, the possibility of this outcome should be discussed with osteoporosis patients, according to rheumatologist Dr. Linda A. Russell. In this month's column, she discusses the link between jaw osteonecrosis and bisphosphonates, including information on prevention and treatment. (pdf format 53.1Kb )
Source: Rheumatology News
URL: http://www.rheumatologynews.com
Published March 2007
Volume 6, Issue 3, Page 18
JAW OSTEONECROSIS RELATED TO BISPHOSPHONATE THERAPY: A SEVERE SECONDARY DISORDER
C. Dannemanna, K.W. Grätza, M.O. Rienerb, R.A. Zwahlena
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BON), first described in 2003, is gaining importance due to the increasing indication spectrum of bisphosphonate therapy. (Read more ...)
URL: http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/bon/article/PIIS8756328206008131/abstract
Source:
BONE - Official Journal of the International Bone and Mineral Society
Published online January 22, 2007
Drug for Bones Is Newly Linked to Jaw Disease
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/02/health/02jaw.html?ei=5070&en=
5cf0db465d60a328&ex=1150430400&pagewanted=print
Some people taking bisphosphonates to prevent bone breaks have reported death of areas of bone in the jaw.
F.D.A. Approves Monthly Osteoporosis Pill
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/26/health/26fda.html?ei=5070&en=
3a7ed185378d0a32&ex=1150430400&pagewanted=print&position=
A once-a-month pill to help women battle the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
http://www.joms.org/article/PIIS027823910600231X/abstract
Bisphosphonates Are Associated With Increased Risk for Jaw Surgery in Medical Claims Data: Is it Osteonecrosis?
http://www.joms.org
June 2006 edition
Published online April 26, 2006
FDA - Zometa and Aredia Safety Alert 2005
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2005/safety05.htm#zometa2
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
www.fda.gov
FDA - Dear Dentist Letter from Novartis Oncology
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2005/zometa_deardentite_5-5-05.pdf
www.fda.gov
May 5, 2005
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Bisphosphonate-Induced Exposed Bone (Osteonecrosis/Osteopetrosis) of the Jaws: Risk Factors, Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment
http://www.joms.org/article/PIIS0278239105011870/abstract
http://www.joms.org
November 2005
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates: a review of 63 cases
http://www.joms.org/article/PIIS0278239104001958/abstract
http://www.joms.org
May 2004
