3 months ago my dentist took an interest in the fact I was taking fossemax...then I read something in the press about them, but wasn't particularly concerned as they seemed to suit me.  Then my upper jaw became infected (it had become infected occasionaly over the past few years, but a short course of anti-biotics always helped.  As the infection suddenly became a problem, - the dentist referred me to the dental dept within my local hospital, and I saw a consultant there.  I was told there might be a problem due to the alendronic acid, and an appt was made for me to go in as a day patient.  Warning bells went off when the top man stated that he wanted to perform the operation himself.  I was given a 3 month course of anti-biotics, then had the infected piece of tooth removed (under sedation).  The Consultant warned me that 2% of people on AA medicaton did not heal, but as I had to have the infected piece of tooth removed - it was low risk and unprobable.  Necrosis was then mentioned.

2.5 weeks later I still had not completely healed, and I was told that tests came back 'positive', which meant I had necrosis of the jaw.  The Consultant told me that even if I stopped taking AA - the drug will remain in my body for 10 years. A 2nd appt has been made for 8 weeks later - I just pray I've healed.  3+ months on anti-biotics is very worrying.

Last week I went to see my Dr - who was amazed I had carried on taking the AA.  No alternative medicine has been offered, which staggered me.  He said I may not get full blown osteoporosis, but as he encouraged me to come off HRT 7 weeks ago - I'm now very worried because I'm now only taking Adcal calcium tablets.

I'm 62, work part-time, ride horses-rush around looking after horses and dogs, and wonder what will happen to my bones without medicine to support me. I occasionaly fall-off or get knocked over by my horses, but don't want to change my life style.

I know of no-other person in my family who has osteoporosis, and wonder whether having my baby at 41 - and breastfeeding her for almost 4 years ...was the cause.  How I now wish I'd taken extra calcium!  

N.T.

Talk to your dentist - if you have any teetch that need extracting, then you could be in trouble...or not yet?

N.T.

I am taking AA, at first I had pains in my legs so consulted my Doctor who assured me it had less side effects than other medication. I find that the pains have gone now so while I feel OK will carry on taking it.

I know a few people who have been quite happily taking it for a few years without any side effects.

I have been/was taking them for around 9 years, - I developed osteopaenia, hence prescribed the fossemax.  I  had 3 bone scans in total, and my bone density increased.  there was no warning of problems when I began taking them, I ride horses (fall off occasionaly), and took a daily tablet for those years, with no apparent side-effect.

I had an underlying dental problem unfortunately - which initially become infected only every 2 years, then more regularly, until at the beginning of this year, constantly.  My dentist of many years told me to leave well-alone, but I when I dropped my Denplan and went NHS - I was lucky enough to be seen by an experienced dentist who had been working in Worcester hospital.  He was very intrerested in the fact I was taking fossemax, put me on anti-biotics, and urged me to go to the dental hospital.  I refused at first (no indication of what it might be), but after 2 more bouts of infection, and a very constant nasty taste - I agreed. My hospital appt was May 1st.  I was told I needed an op to determine the problem. The head of dept. made it clear he wanted to do the op himself.  thats when I felt very uneasy.  Immediately before the op - he told me there was a 2% chance I might not heal - because of the years of fossemax.  I almost backed out, but he said my jawbone was infected and I HAD to have the proceedure now. 

3Weeks later, I had not healed. He told me the biopsy proved I had necrolysis of the jawbone....very very rare side affect of the fossemax, and no cure.  I've been on anti-biotics for 4 months now.  Went back for another check this week, and am so happy that it had healed.  I still have the necrolysis - but as long as I don't need any extractions - then it will be contained. 

My Dr says I should come off the fossexmax (which I have), so now I'm really worried about full-blown osteoporosis, but the consultant said that I could go back on it, as he had managed to remove all dead infected bone.  X-rays and the fact I healed proved that 95%.

My dilemna is whether to go back on fossemax, to save my bones, or not.

These days, now that Drs are aware of the side effects, its vital that you don't have any dental problems before going on fossemax.  If, like me you are one of the (less than 2%) - then you will probably only find this out if you need an invasive dental treatment, like I had, which would include a tooth out.

There is a worry with me that I may need an extraction in the future.  However, the Consultant said that the dentist would have to give me a root canal as that would mean not exposing the jawbone to the environment, which risks infection.  The worry being that you may never heal.

My husband comes to all meetings with Drs. and dental Consultants now, (on this subject).  Its so terribly complicated - I need help.  Apparently I'm lucky - if I'd had larger doses (as after chemo), then would be much worse.

So, on reflection, save your bones, but make sure full dental examination from experienced dentish FIRST!

Nola.

N.T.