Fosamax,known generically as alendronate sodium, is a biphosphonate widely known as a prescription medicine to treat osteoporosis including other bone diseases that may the bone mineral density to plummet. Along with its intended uses, Fosamax side effects include severe musculoskeletal pain and many others. Osteonecrosis of the jaw, otherwise known as ONJ, Dead Jaw or Bis-Phossy Jaw is probably considered the most serious adverse effect of the drug.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious bone condition affecting the jaws, involving the maxilla and the mandible. When the blood supply to a certain bone tissue is reduced (ischemia), damage and death to the areas of jaw bone occurs. Most of the time, it is the dentists, who first diagnose ONJ after a surgical procedure like tooth extraction.

As what everyone was informend, the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to the use of biphosphonates like Fosamax is very small and insignificant. But a study brought out on the Journal of the American Dental Association shows a considerable 4% of patients taking even the oral form of Fosamax are likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Although it may occur asymptomatically, among the early signs of ONJ are loose teeth and exposed bone. There may also be pain on the jaw or gum as well as swelling or infection and dramatic gum loss. Although, the exposure of mandibular and/or maxillary bone through wounds in the gingival that do not mend is the most indubitable sign of ONJ.

It would vary on what is the etiology or the cause of the disease as well as the exigency how ONJ is treated. Nonsurgical management of the biphosphonate-related ONJ may consist of antimicrobial rinses, systemic antibiotics, systemic or topical antifungals, discontinuation of the biphosphonate therapy and avoiding invasive dental therapy.

Unluckily, treatments for Fosamax or biphosphonate-related ONJ involving surgery yield poor results due to the declining ability of the bone to mend. Sagacious debridement, pain medication and other nonsurgical methods are more preferred means to treat this type of ONJ rather than the more intrusive surgical interventions. It is essential to diagnose and treat ONJ at an early stage to let alone the irreversible bone collapse that may result in the facial deformity of the patient.

As alarming as it may seem, halting your Fosamax therapy needs the knowledge of your doctor before doing so.

If you are someone or someone you know have suffered from the pains of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to Fosamax use, you may be entitled for a well-deserved recompense from your medical bills, treatment and suffering. Discuss with an expert Fosamax lawyer to find out more about your rights as well as filing a possible lawsuit. Hundreds of Fosamax lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs who have suffered from similar case.