Alendronic Acid - potential teeth jaw side effecdts
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi I've recent been prescribed Alendronic Acid and I understand that one of the side effects is problems with teeth and jaws. I'm a bit worried about taking the drug because of the potential side effects having had significant dental treatment in the past. I've read some of your previous discussions from people who have experienced such problems. but they were a while ago. Can anyone give me any further examples of jaw/teeth problems as a result of alendronic acid please before I make a decision as to whether to take it or not. Thanks
0 likes, 7 replies
susan43406 SN66
Posted
Hi there. I can only give my experience. I took Alendronate for 5 years from 2003 -2008 after chemotherapy. I am now back on it since starting steroids in January as I have osteopenia. I have had no problems at all with it, either then or now. I recently had a new dental crown and it was straightforward. Hope this helps.
karenjaninaz SN66
Posted
I TOOK 3 WEEKLY DOSES AND MY BITE CHANGED. STOPPED TAKING IT BUT AFTER 3 YEARS I HAVE SIGNIFICANT HIP OSTEOPOROSIS. THERE IS A SUPPLEMENT PROTOCOL WHICH HAS SHOWN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT AFTER ONE YEAR BUT NONE OF THE STUDY SUBJECTS WERE ON PREDNISONE. I plan to start FORTEO INJECTIONS AS SOON AS MY INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVES. I plan to continue taking the supplements as well as FORTEO.
Reeceregan SN66
Posted
I have been on Prolia since February which is similar I think, and coincidentally I had to go to the dentist yesterday as I had a tooth sensitive to hot/cold and my jaw was aching. Long story short, I have inflammation in the ligaments that surround two teeth side by side. Never knew we had ligaments there but dentist suggested anti- inflammatories. I thought maybe antibiotics but there is no infection so thats not the answer. I can't take anti-inflammatories as I'm also on prednsione for a few autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in the body, so all I can do is put heat packs to my jaw hoping to reduce the inflammation that way. Before starting Prolia I was advised by my rheumatologist to have a thorough dental examination and have any work done before starting treatment. Fillings, crowns, root canal can be done on Prolia, but not tooth extractions as it can affect the jaw bone. Read up on ONJ, osteocronosis of the jaw and ask your specialist about the risks. I do believe it is a rare side effect, but enough to prevent extractions being done unless referred to an oral surgeon first.
celia14153 SN66
Posted
I checked with my dentist and he said there would only be problems if there was a pre-existing condition. Pred doesn't create it and it's extremely rare
Reeceregan celia14153
Posted
Yes, agree, prednisone doesn't cause it, and it does say it's rare, although my dentist has had patients present with it after taking Prolia. Hopefully I'm not one of them. I opted to having a tooth out prior to Prolia rather than root canal, as she explained that root canal may not fix the problem I had in the long term, and I may have needed an extraction a few years on. I asked her what would happen if I did need any extractions and she refers her patients to a surgeon. When a tooth stated playing up the other day and my jaw started aching I thought I was in for a rugged time as the tooth already had a crown on it. I think I got out of that lightly with just inflamed ligaments around the tooth.
jones10939 SN66
Posted
OH came from assessment in hospital - PMR/GCA - with prescription for Alendronic Acid to be filled AFTER seeing dentist.
(to date he's done neither months later but matters might alter after results of dexascan)
EileenH SN66
Posted
Before you take it, you need to have had a dexascan to assess whether you need it at present or not. If your bone density is at normal levels it is better to just take calcium and vit D and repeat the scan in 2 years to see if it falls. I have taken pred for 9 years and in the first 7 years my bone density had barely changed so taking AA would have been a waste of time and an exposure to unnecessary risks. It shouldn't be taken for more than 2-3 years at a time to reduce the risks of the long term effects where a more brittle bone is formed with microcracks that can lead to what are called atypical femoral fractures where the thigh bone fractures without any force at all.
The jaw problems do also occur but are rare and more likely for patients who are on AA for cancer treatments which is a different matter - but if you need any further dental work now, it should be assessed and done BEFORE starting AA as many dentists will refuse to carry out any invasive dental procedures on patients who are taking it.