Information on Bisphosphonates

On occasion, and depending on the type of cancer treatment you receive, your oncologist may place you on medication from a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. These may include intravenous types such as pamidronate and zolendronate or drugs you take by mouth such as alendronate (Fosamax) amongst others. Sometimes your family physician will prescribe versions of these drugs for treatment of osteoporosis.

If you are going to be placed on any bisphosphonate drug it is not a bad idea to request a complete dental examination including dental x-rays and have your dentist remove sources of infection prior to taking these drugs.

If you are presently on intravenous bisphosphonates, you should, where possible, avoid surgical procedures such as dental extractions, gum surgery and dental implant placement. Discuss these issues with your dentist.

If you are a Princess Margaret Hospital patient it is common for the Department of Dental Oncology to screen you prior to commencing intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Bisphosphonate therapy has resulted in a remarkable improvement in quality of life for many cancer patients but a very few patients develop areas of dead bone after dental extractions or more rarely spontaneously.