To be shocked that the frontline treatment for osteoporosis comes with the risk of YOUR JAW FALLING OFF WHAT

[Everythingisnumbersnow]

Why are we all just sitting around accepting this???

Any more information?

Could you please post more information, otherwise this is alarming and a tad sensationalist.

a) Your jaw doesn't fall off
b) All medications have potentially harmful side effects
c) What do you mean "why are we just sitting around accepting this"? It's a fact. Decide whether you want the treatment, or invent an alternative.

Not much more needs to be said - excellent post @ThrivingNotDiving

Why are you sitting round and accepting it? Osteoporosis can be mitigated through weight-bearing exercise so I completely agree, we shouldn't be sitting around.

Treatment FOR osteoporosis, or to help PREVENT osteoporosis?
Either way - sounds unlikely to me.

My jaw has dropped reading this.

Sorry, I'll get my coat.

The op is I think talking about a rare and treatable side effect of osteoporosis meds.

Op - get a fucking grip! Osteoporosis is ghastly and needs to be optimally treated all interventions have risks. Fear mongering about this is very unhelpful.

Well I've been on the medication for 2 years now, and I don't need you telling me that my jaw is going to fall off thanks 🙄

Alendronic acid can cause jaw-bone necrosis, but it is extremely rare, and YOUR JAW WILL NOT DROP OFF, SO WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING, @Everythingisnumbersnow ?

Ridiculous to try scaremongering over someting that may not happen.

'Bisphosphonates is a group of inorganic pyrophosphates analogues that suppress bone resorption by inducing osteoclast inactivation, being frequently used for management of diseases affecting bone metabolism, bone metastases and bone tumors. However, since 2003 many cases describing the presence of necrotic bone exposures in the jaws have been described in patients receiving these drugs, what represent a significant complication of bisphosphonates treatment. The overall incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is low, ranging from 0.7% to 12%, mainly observed in those patients receiving intravenously treatment.'
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4015053/

Well it’d be difficult to complain if your jaw had fallen off.

I know. MIL is on it and the potential side effects sound awful. She is very worried she will have issues as she has long had problems with teeth/mouth.

Presumably op is talking about alendronic acid? My GP suggested I start taking this a couple of years ago when I was on the osteopenia/osteoporosis fence (probably over that fence now). I declined because, like Hellmet's MIL I have problems with my teeth and may have to have an extraction or two. My understanding is that can trigger the necrosis side-effect.

I don't understand the post either.

My DH has osteoporosis. He was diagnosed 10 years ago and takes 1 pill of Actonel a week. He has a yearly bone scan and his osteoporosis is controlled. His jaw is still in place and has not fallen off.

😶

My mother had issues with alendronic acid & jaw bone deterioration. When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, in my 50s, I discussed with my gp the family tendencies. He advised me to meet with my dentist to discuss any work that might need doing. My dentist has come across issues with patients on alendronic acid, and the main problem can be implants. She and I worked through my possible needs; i also really concentrated on improving my gums/ gum disease. It took about 8 months before I could start the treatment. Now, 1 year in and having vitamin boosts to improve absorption. The gp surgery missed my early menopause.But certainly in regard to the treatment for osteoporosis, they have really been very proactive.

But it hasn't dropped off!!

Oh, I don't know. My eyebrows can convey anger and pissed-offness quite well!

I have a zoledronate infusion once a year, with breaks, that keeps my osteoporosis under control. The doctors warned me a a very small risk of 'phossy jaw' attached to this treatment, and my densist sees me six-monthly rather than annually. (At my age, I weould otherwise only get annual NHS check-ups). I haven't had any adverse side effects.

Your post is very irresponsible. Untreated osteoporosis can take away your mobility and cause intractable pain. The people treating me have been completely open about possible side-effects and reassured me the risk is very small, far less than than the risk of crippling fractures.

I'm not 'sitting round accepting it.' I'm glad I can have treatment for a condition that could leave me in serious trouble, and I'm glad the medics keep me updated about small but possible risks. You're being ridiculous.

You're making a good point, but just to clarify: weight bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and will improve it, but it doesn't guarantee prevention. People should get themselves checked to make sure their bone health is good as they get older.

What a jaw-dropping tabloid factoid.

Sorry, for context

Up to 1% of users of this common treatment for osteoporosis will develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (which can lead to total jaw loss)

https://bjgp.org/content/67/660/330

All medications come with small risks of terrible side effects. I'm on a very common medication that includes among its potential serious side effects:

• fatal internal bleeding
• seizures
• liver failure
• suicidal impulses

Clearly I'm vanishingly unlikely to experience any of those things, so it's fine. Your jaw isn't going to fall off. Calm down.

Yes but there are other treatments available.

Where does it say "up to 1%"?

The article you link to says " an estimated incidence of 10 patients per year per million population was stated"

Where is the 1% from? How many of the 1% of cases will result in jaw loss?
Given that most people take oral medication vs IV fluids, what is the risk for those specific patients?
What are the alternatives' side effects and how prevalent are they?
Are alternative medications suitable for the same population as the common treatment?