[ledddd]

Bone building drugs after having osteonecrosis of the jaw

by ledddd on Sat Jul 05, 2014 11:45 am

About 6 years ago I developed a very small spot of osteonecrosis of the jaw after being on Zometa for 2 years (infusions once a month). It took a year to heal, but did so completely. I have been off Zometa ever since.

Last fall I developed a compression fracture of a vertebrae and am now wondering if I can take a bone building drug again. Am I at more risk now to develop jaw problems from bone building drugs (bisphosphonates) since I've already had osteonecrosis of the jaw once?

[Dr. Ken Shain]

Re: Bone building drugs after having osteonecrosis of the ja

by Dr. Ken Shain on Sun Jul 06, 2014 10:25 am

Everything needs to put in the context of risk vs. benefit. I cannot speak for your myeloma doctor, but once a patient of mine develops ONJ – which is rare these days – I would not restart Zometa. I think that arguments can be made, however, for starting for shorter durations, or for different dosing schedules with close monitoring of your jaw for ONJ. Again, I personally would be hesitant.

I would start you up on on calcium and vitamin D, if you haven't been already.

[ledddd]

Re: Bone building drugs after having osteonecrosis of the ja

by ledddd on Sun Jul 06, 2014 5:02 pm

Thank you Doctor. The compression fracture in my back has been so painful (I have had a vertebroplasty) that I would like to avoid another if possible. I have been on calcium and vitamin D for many years. I have been very active and am physically fit. I am 65 years old. Any other suggestions for strengthening bones? Is Aredia less likely to cause ONJ?