National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is advising consumers concerned about the possible jaw disease associated with osteoporosis medicines to talk to their doctor to assess whether they are at risk.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a very rare side effect of the medicines group Bisphosphonates, used for the treatment of osteoporosis, other bone diseases and some cancers. In extreme cases, ONJ can cause a breakdown of bone in the jaw and signs to watchout for include severe jaw pain, numbness of the jaw, loose teeth, oral odour, denture sore spots, infection and impaired healing. Those at most risk are people using IV bisphosphonates for cancer treatment and people on oral therapy who need a tooth extraction or who suffer dental trauma in an accident.

Bisphosphonates include medicines such as alendronate (Fosamax, Alendro), risedronate (Actonel) and etidronate (Didronel, Didrocal) are most often used for osteoporosis, while others such as pamidronate (Aredia, Pamisol) and zoledronic acid (Zometa) are given intravenously for other diseases such as cancer.

People taking these medicines should not be alarmed or stop taking their medicines but rather speak to their doctor or pharmacist about what to do.

“It is very important for people to understand the medicines they are taking and to discuss their benefits and side effects with their doctor or pharmacist,” explained NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes. “In this case the benefit of preventing a fracture from osteoporosis must be considered against the risk of ONJ. Your doctor can help decide whether you are at risk for this side effect.”

Consumers are also advised to look after their teeth and dentures carefully and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any dental problems developing.

“We also want to encourage consumers to check with their doctor to see if their diet has sufficient calcium in it, as otherwise, a Calcium supplement will be very beneficial,” added Dr Weekes.

Consumers can also request a copy of the consumer medicine information sheets which explain important facts to consider before, during and after taking a medicine. These information sheets are freely available from the pharmacist

For more information about medicines and a range of consumer medicine information sheets visit the consumer page at www.nps.org.au. Consumers can also call Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 and speak to a pharmacist between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the cost of a local call (mobile calls may cost more).

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.