Actenol/Fosomax for bones

[harrie]

Does anyone have any information regarding the length of time to be on a biophosphonate such as Actenol or Fosomax for osteopenia or osteoporosis? I am interested in knowing if there is a maximum duration of time one should be on these meds for optimum benefit and minimum risk of side effects such as ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw).

[pibikay]

My wife had 10 doses of Zoletec in 3 week intervals.Then when she was started on Tykerb Zoletec was stopped

[Kim in DC]

The experts say to stay on 5 years and then re-evaluate. Onj usually occurs when the chemo suppresses your immune system and you have dental surgery. There is evidence that this class of drugs also fights breast cancer. You have to
way the odds.

Kim

[Chelee]

Harrie,
I had hoped to find the article I just read on this the other night...I found it very interesting. But it did state just what Kim said in her post. I've had alot of jaw pain since starting Zometa and was told to go off of it when I went to UCLA. I need to see a dentist and hope I don't have ONJ. So you do want to do your homework and be very careful with any of these drugs.

Chelee