Jaw disease or osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an emerging condition for which no effective treatment currently exists. Cases of ONJ have been detected following oral infections associated with dental procedures and are linked to individuals with osteoporosis taking oral bisphosphonates.
Bisphosphonates has been used to treat cancers, osteoporosis, degenerative bone disorders, and Paget's disease. Below is the partial list of drugs in this class with estimated half life:
Boniva = 4.6-15.3 hrs for IV 2mg after 2 hrs (IV and Oral)
Boniva = 5 - 25.5 hrs for IV 4mg after 2 hrs (IV and Oral)
Bonefos = 13 hrs for IV (IV and Oral)
Aredia = 28 +/- hrs (IV and Oral)
Zometa = 146 hrs (IV)
Actonel = 480 hrs (Oral)
Fosamax = 10 years (Oral)
"In order to adequately caution our patients, we need to acknowledge that we are dealing with a condition characterized by a long latency period. That means that the pharmacologic effects of the oral bisphosphonates may not be seen for years, so now is the time to educate our patients."Read more at PR Newswire.
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