Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach: What is the story with Boniva and jaw problems? I had an abscessed tooth, which was partially treated, and the dentist said it had to come out. I was last treated with Boniva in 2010. Do I need to worry?
G.W.
The concern when taking medications such as Boniva (which also includes Fosamax and Actonel, used mostly for treatment of osteoporosis but can be used for people with cancer and elevated calcium levels) is that there is a complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition, though rare, is painful and difficult to treat. However, the vast majority of people who developed it did so after intravenous, not oral, treatment with these medicines, and usually for cancer, not osteoporosis. The likelihood of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw while on one of these medicines is less than one per cent.
Certainly, you should not let the concern prevent you from getting needed dental care.
