Bisphosphonate Drugs May Pose Risk to Oral Health

Bisphosphonate Drugs May Pose Risk to Oral Health

A significant majority of test subjects in a recent study of patients who take bisphosphonates reveals that patients had not been made aware of the possible side effects of taking bisphosphonates, including becoming affected by bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON).

Bisphosphonates are used to slow bone resorption and are not uncommonly used in treating osteoporosis, Paget’s disease or certain forms of cancer. For dental patients who take bisphosphonates BON can occur after dental surgery or even spontaneously.

Though BON is rare, up to 12% of cancer patients who receive bisphosphonates intravenously become affected by the disorder. Patients who take bisphosphonates orally as treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia exhibit a 1% prevalence of BON. These percentages are estimates, however, and some research shows the prevalence may be higher. (Oral health care professionals are encouraged to consult the latest resources for ongoing updates.)

The group of 73 study subjects who were already undergoing bisphosphonate treatment was predominately women (71) who had an average age of 66 years. Though 84% of the participants stated they were aware of the reasons they were receiving bisphosphonate therapy, 80% reported they were unsure how long the therapy would last.

The study also revealed that 82% of the test subjects had no memory of their physicians ever informing them about risks associated with taking bisphonphonates, including the potential for oral osteonecrosis.

Authors of the study call for a more effective communication regarding bisphosphonates between health care professionals and patients to whom they prescribe the drugs. The complete report appears in the May issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.