Breast Cancer Patients and Bone Loss Prevention Medication

Osteoporosis Prevention Bisphosphonates May Cause Bone Loss in the Jaw

Breast cancer patients with metastasis to the bone may be taking Zometa or Aredia intraveneously, to prevent bone density loss, or bone pain. Recovering breast cancer patients may be taking bisphosphonates in pill form, which gives a much lower dose of the same medication. These drugs have seemed safe and beneficial, but lately there have been a few reports of an unwanted side effect: loss of areas of bone in the jaw. Estimates of the problem are between 1 and 10 percent of patients affected.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research is beginning to study this problem, and does not want patients to become alarmed. According to Dr. Bruce Pihlstrom, "We just don't have the information we need." The condition may be triggered by invasive dental work which is done while a breast cancer patient is taking bisphosphonates, and might be avoided by stopping the drugs for a few months before and after dental procedures are done. Consult your doctor or dentist, if you are concerned about this problem.
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