Osteoperosis, Drugs and Loss of Teeth!

In a recent study reserachers discovered that 1 in 200 users of osteoperosis drugs like Foasamax (Aldentronate) develop osteonecrosis of the jaw; a condition where your jaw bone melts away and your teeth fall out. I know several dentists who will not do implants on any patient taking this drug; and I have a cousin who lost all his teeth when he apparently was needlessly prescribed these medicines.

Thinning of the bones, or osteoperosis, is a big watch word these days. One of the major reasons is the marketing by big drug companies.

Read how Merck created a market for this drug and, in my opinion, induced its over use. This article is worth reading and can apply to many new drugs:

http://www.npr.org/2009/12/21/121609815/how-a-bone-disease-grew-to-fit-the-prescription

It is true, that in elderly individuals, especially those who have trouble getting around, a hip fracture can result in an extended hospital stay and even premature death from other conditions. But that does not mean all of us need treatment.

The actual recommendations are based on many factors including history and bone density, There is an on-line tool that you can use (if you understand it)

http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=9

It calculated the risk of a fracture over the next 10 years and gives the recommendations for treatment> For example in a 60 year old female treat at about a 4% risk and in an 80 year old at a 15% risk. However, the intense marketing campaign has resulted in many people being over-treated! And losing their teeth!!

The loss of teeth is actually much worse than the minimal risk. Be sure that your physician is not treating borderline osteoperosis without doing the proper assessment.