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Health News Archive 397 - Bone Health
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Bone Death in Women Taking Osteoporosis Drugs

Harvard Women's Health Watch, in the September 2006 issue, reports that a connection between certain bone-strengthening drugs and the death of bone tissue in the jaw have raised concerns for many women.  Most cases of the bone problem, called osteonecrosis, have occurred among cancer patients taking potent intravenous forms of these drugs, but a handful have involved otherwise healthy women taking oral medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

The drugs, known as bisphosphonates, include Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Skelid, Didronel, Zometa, Aredia, and Bonefos. They are widely prescribed for osteoporosis and are also used to treat bone pain and other complications in cancer patients. Bisphosphonates increase bone density in the short run, but in the long run they may impair new bone formation. Scientists think this may reduce the jawbone’s capacity to heal after traumas such as dental extractions or implants.

Investigations into the extent of the problem are ongoing. Anyone taking bisphosphonates should be aware of the symptoms, which include pain, swelling, and numbness at the site of a tooth extraction or other oral surgery.

The best treatment is prevention. Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that you get a dental exam and consider having any extractions or implants done before you start a bisphosphonate. If you’re already taking one, let your dentist know so that it can be considered in planning your treatment. You may also want to ask about taking a break from bisphosphonate therapy before undergoing major dental work.

We suggest you prevent this terrible condition by not taking bisphosphonate drugs - Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Skelid, Didronel, Zometa, Aredia, and Bonefos. There are so many less expensive alternatives that help increase bone density naturally.  Please ask your Doctor about the percent increase in BMD to be expected both in the short- and long-term from these bisphosphonates.  You might even ask your Doctor about the BMD increase due to the calcium required to be taken with the drugs and the drug itself.  Compare that benefit to natural food-derived supplements as described in these articles.

Bones

• Adequate Vitamin D More Important than Calcium Requirement

• Folate Intake Predicts Homocysteine Level and Fracture Risk

• Homocysteine Up, Bone Mineral Density Down, Fractures Up

• Increased Magnesium Linked with Stronger Bones

• Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits Bone Health

• Omega-3s Inhibit Bone Loss

• Researchers Discover Calcium Supplements Effective Only if Taken NEW

• Silicon Enhances Calcium's Bone Benefits

• Silicon Uptake is a Major Dietary Determinant of Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

• Soy Protein Reduces Bone Fracture Risk

• Vitamin K Supplementation Increases BMD and Reduces Hip Fracture 80% NEW

Osteoporosis

• 70% of Teenage Girls Vitamin D Deficient NEW

• Fight Osteoporosis: Bone Up on B12

• Homocysteine Linked to Osteoporosis

• Olive Extracts Reduce Osteoporosis Bone Loss NEW

• Omega-3 DHA Reduces Bone Loss NEW

• *The Anti-Osteoporosis Plan

• Vitamin D Low in Females with Osteoporosis

• Vitamin D Signals to Prevent Bone Loss During Osteoporosis

Harvard Women’s Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $24 per year.

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