Aredia: Bisphophonate Side Effects
Aredia is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat cancer. Side effects may include osteonecrosis of the jaw, a painful and disfiguring condition.
Aredia (pamidronate) is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat cancer patients. It is taken intervenously (through an IV).
The use of bisphosphonate drugs, such as Zometa, Actonel and Fosamax, have been linked to an increased occurrences of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis is a painful, debilitating bone disease.
Aredia is used in the treatment of:
- hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Paget’s disease
- osteolytic bone metatastes of breast cancer
- osteolytic lesions of multiple myeloma
There have not been any indications that patients should not be given Aredia for treatment of cancer. Many experts agree that it is important for patients and dentists to be aware of the increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Avoiding dental procedures, even as small as a tooth extraction, could significantly reduce the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw. There is no such reduction opportunity for sufferers of joint necrosis, as it is irreversible once it has begun to set in. It is a gradual process that begins with a minor joint pain and escalates to severe pain and debilitation.
Those taking bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Actonel, Aredia or Zometa, should notify their dentist or dental surgeon before any treatment. Elective dental procedures should be avoided, and for necessary procedures precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
FOSAMAX BISPHOSPHONATE LAWSUITS
Fosamax is an oral bisphosphonate used for treatment of osteoporosis. Saiontz and Kirk is currently investigating potential claims against the drug manufacturer for failing to warn patients about the known side effect associated with their medication. Potential Fosamax lawsuits are being reviewed for users who have been diagnosed with jaw osteonecrosis, hip osteonecrosis, knee osteonecrosis or shoulder osteonecrosis.
At this time we are not reviewing potential claims for those who have suffered osteonecrosis after cancer treatment with bisphosphonates.
