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Fosamax FAQs
What is Fosamax?
Who manufacturers Fosamax?
Are there any reported problems
with Fosamax?
What is osteonecrosis of the jaw?
What are the symptoms of ONJ?
How is ONJ diagnosed?
What is Fosamax?
Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium Tablets) is a
bisphosphonate medication used to increase bone
mass, reduce bone fractures, and prevent and
treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
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Who manufacturers Fosamax?
Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Company.
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Are there any reported problems with
Fosamax?
Cases of osteonecrosis (involving the jaw)
have been reported in patients treated with
bisphosphonates. The majority of the reported
cases are in cancer patients who are having, or
have had, a dental procedure.
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What is osteonecrosis of the jaw?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)is a rare
condition that involves the loss, or breakdown,
of the jaw bone. ONJ has been reported in
patients with cancer receiving treatment,
including bisphosphonates, chemotherapy, and/or
corticosteroids. The majority of reported cases
have been associated with dental procedures such
as tooth extraction. A dental examination with
appropriate preventive dentistry should be
considered prior to treatment with
bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant
risk factors. While on treatment, these patients
should avoid, if possible, invasive dental
procedures. No data are available as to whether
discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy
reduces the risk of ONJ in patients requiring
dental procedures.
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What are the symptoms of ONJ?
Tell both your oncologist and your dentist
immediately if you experience any of these
symptoms: pain, swelling, or infection of the
gums; loosening of teeth; poor healing of the
gums, and numbness or the feeling of heaviness
in the jaw.
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How is ONJ diagnosed?
To diagnose osteonecrosis of the jaw,
doctors may use x-rays or tests for infection
(microbial cultures). Treatments for
osteonecrosis of the jaw may include
antibiotics, oral rinses, and removable mouth
appliances. Minor dental work may be necessary
to remove injured tissue and reduce sharp edges
of the bone. Surgery is typically avoided
because it may make the condition worse.
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