FOSAMAX® INJURY INFORMATION

TMJD  patients are likely to encounter dental care in the process of  their quest for treatment.  JJAMD has also been aware that TMJD  patients find that osteoporosis and other arthritic conditions are so- called “co-morbid” conditions to TMJD.  It is, therefore, important  that TMJD patients and the public be advised of the risks of jaw bone  disease associated with taking Fosamax® and possibly other drugs for  osteoporosis and to seek advice or opinions from qualified healthcare  practitioners before taking such pharmaceuticals.  The following was  extracted from various insertions on the internet, often from legal  firms offering to represent those unfortunate to have been victims of  injury from Fosamax®.

Fosamax® belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, which  are commonly prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis or for the  management of advanced cancers. With more than 22 million  prescriptions last year alone, Fosamax® is one of the most commonly  used medications in our country. Unfortunately, this popular drug has  been linked to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ, a  rare and serious condition that causes breakdown and death of the jaw  bone.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw typically develops after minor dental work,  and because Fosamax® remains in the body for many months or years  after treatment, even patients who are no longer using Fosamax® are  at an increased risk for ONJ. Individuals suffering from ONJ may  experience severe infections with painful symptoms like facial  discomfort or numbness, gum swelling, drainage, and poor gum healing.  Additionally, victims of ONJ may experience tooth loss and other  disfiguring side effects. Treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw may  include long-term antibiotic use, surgical reduction of damaged bone,  or similar alternatives. However, ONJ is extremely resistant to most  treatments and careful planning is required, as invasive surgical  techniques can worsen the condition.