I just heard there are dangers associated with Fosamax. I have had jaw pain since I started taking it. Should I stop?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Stop now and inform your doctor without delay to be sure the jaw pain is not a warning sign of another medical condition, especially cardiac disease, esophageal disease, temporal arteritis (an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels), or severe disease of your jaw.

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate medication used for osteoporosis, and the majority of patients use it without recognizable side effects. Remember, this is not a life-sustaining medication. Interrupting dosage while your jaw pain is evaluated would be wise.

There have been infrequent reports of sometimes severe and incapacitating bone, joint, and muscle pain from patients on bisphosphonate medications such as Fosamax. Most had relief from symptoms after stopping. Osteonecrosis (a destructive process of bone) of the jaw has also been reported in patients on bisphosphonate medication. Osteonecrosis is uncommon and is generally associated with local infection or tooth extraction, especially in patients with cancer, those on steroids or chemotherapy, or those with dental disease or compromised oral hygiene, especially when underlying medical conditions co-exist (i.e. dental disease, anemia, infection, malignancy, etc.).

An examination and further exploration of your symptom is advised without delay.