Osteonecrosis/bisphosphonates - Osteoporosis Message Board

Ruthy · 07-20-2006, 05:03 PM

Has anyone else stopped taking their Actonel, Fosomax (or others) because of the osteonecrosis of the jaw publicity? Just wondering..... I stopped mine and have an appointment with rheumatologist next week for a routine check up.

Kaitrin · 07-21-2006, 06:18 AM

Although the idea of osteonecrosis is definitely scary, my understanding is that it is very rare, so I am continuing to take my medication. Let us know what your doctor says.

hypatia · 07-21-2006, 08:22 AM

According to what i've read, jaw necrosis is suffered mainly by those who have had oral surgery and some dentists are now declining to treat patients on these drugs. Almost makes me glad i wear dentures since i've had such good luck with Fosamax for the past six years and plan to continue.

naturalman · 07-21-2006, 10:04 AM

From what I've read in the medical journals, those taking IV bisphosphonates, the occurance rate is closer to 20% or more and those taking the oral form it's 10-15% of jaw bone death. I think with extended use, this could be a problem, if not in the jaw, then the bones in general, since it's been reported that over time with the use of these drugs, the bones actually get more brittle, since it holds in more of the old bones, and there is very little new bone being produced. I was on it for 5 years in April 2006 and I've decided to stop using Actonel (and before Actonel, Fosamax)and use the supplements that I have been using, including Strontium Citrate (780 mg. daily). I also take Vitamin K (10 mg.) as well as calcium and other minerals that I get from LEF (Life Extension Foundation). When I stopped taking Actonel in May, I was able to get a prescription of injection HGH from my alternative MD, and I inject 0.4 mg every other day. I orginally had very bad osteoporosis in 2001, and my t scores were like -5.2 in my spine, which has gotten better to -4.3 now. Still bad, but has steadily gotten better, and hoping that my new treatment regimen will continue to increase my bone density without the problems of the drugs. I don't think you can get off of Actonel/Fosamax without replacing it with something else, and in my case the Strontium and HGH. What do you all think?

Rob

hypatia · 07-21-2006, 10:37 AM

Very interesting, Rob. I always thought of HGH as an anti-aging drug or for male weight-lifters and children with growth impairment. I don't think it's anything i want to pursue (sticker shock), but would like to know what your dr. thinks of strontium. Do you also do weight-bearing exercise and lift weights?