Skelid Linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Skelid – An Introduction

Skelid, a prescription drug is used fro the treatment of post-menopausal bone cancer, osteoporosis, Paget’s disease and other bone weakening ailments. Common side effects Skelid include bone pain, difficulty in breathing, rashes, hives, gastrointestinal symptoms and swelling of tongues, face, throat and lips. Recently, Bisphosphonates like Skelid have been associated with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). ONJ degenerates the jaw bone , thus leading to irreparable and serious side effects  such as numbness, bone loss, exposed bone and pain.

More than 30 million patients use bisphosphonates like Skelid for treating postmenopausal bone cancer, osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. However, according to the recent report of the American Association of Endodontists bisphosphonates including Skelid are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ is a condition in which the jawbone dies in the mouth itself.

Skelid

SanofiAventis manufactures Skelid. It is used for the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. It is available in the market in 200mg tablet. Skelid affects the metabolism of a patient’s bone, increasing the bone mass in patients and presents the body’s natural resorption of bone tissue in the patients suffering from bone diseases. It is believed that Skelid prevents fractures and other bone related diseases, however, Bisphosphonates like Skelid do not create new bone.

Patients are advised to take Skelid while sitting or standing in an upright position because if caught in throat it can damage the esophagus and stomach. As mineral water, juice and soda can decrease efficacy of the drug, patients are recommended to take Skelid two hours prior to eating food and other medicines. There is no evidence to prove that Skelid affects the pregnant women or unborn child. Common side effects of Skelid includes gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or nausea; headache, dizziness and body pain.

Bisphosphonates and ONJ

In the recent years, bisphosphonates like Skelid have been associated with ONJ. ONJ is a condition in which the jawbone fails to recover from minor oral surgery and thus dies within the mouth.  Bone death is irreparable, though it can be treated through antibiotic and surgery, the lost bone cannot be revived and patients are at a higher risk of infections. ONJ is largely found in patients taking bisphosphonates intravenously but it is also found in the patients taking oral bisphosphonates like Skelid. Primary causes of ONJ are oral and dental surgery. However, ONJ is also largely found in the patients who have undergone oral surgery. Following are the symptoms of ONJ:

·         Feeling of heaviness or pain in the jaw

·         Slow gum recovery

·         Loose teeth

According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients taking bisphosphonates are at increased risk of ONJ. It asked its members to inquire about the medical history of the patients before performing oral surgery. FDA has issued warning letters to healthcare professional and dentists.

If an individual has experienced osteonecrosis of the jaw or other side effects associated with the use bisphosphonates like Skelid, contact a doctor immediately. Thereafter, you can seek the advice of an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer who will assist you in filing a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer. He will suggest you whether you are eligible for monetary compensation for the Skelid side effects including  money for lost wages, suffering and pain, future medical care and hospital stays and medical bills.