How can I calculate the risk of osteonecosis of the jaw after taking Actonel weekly for 5 years?

11 May 2011

The risk of taking Actonel by mouth is very small. The risk is a lot greater if you are taking high doses of biophosphates intraveneously for cancer treatment.
Studies have estimated that osteonecrosis of the jaw occurs in roughly 20% of patients taking intravenous biophosphonates for cancer therapy and in between 0-0.04% of patients taking orally administered bisphosphonates.

11 May 2011

This is more of a disease of joints, not the jaw. Your dentist would do xrays to determine if this is the case. My dentist has told me the risk is very low on the pills, but increases with intervenious dosage of biophasphastes. I am on Forteo, which is a daily shot I give myself of synthetic thyroid & pituatary hormones to help rebuild bone. It is only used for 2 years max. It's like the "last chance drug" for brittle bones. After taking this I will be going back on Actonel . My dentist is watching my jaw bones by xray, but feels the risk is minimal. Hope this addresses your concerns...