Hi,
i was put on "evista" for osteopenia last month and taken off premarin.
I was hoping to get rid of some risks by switching.
But... Yesterday I went to my oral surgeon to see about gettinga wisdom tooth out and he sat me down and scared the begeebers out of me about this drug! He says that in two years he has seen 6 patients personally that have a side effect of dead bone in there jaw from taking the drugs that contain "bisphosphinate" (fosamax is another one). And that he gets news on it every month in there medical jouranals. Once the problem starts there is no remedy!! They cannot remove the dead or scrape it or anything cause it makes it spread. He read of a single case where a lady lost her entire jaw bone on one side before it stopped dieing.
It starts without pain, and begins with receding gums in a particular spot and keeps getting worse until the bone is exposed.
I have begun to research this today and can find no info on this side effect. Have you been informed or told of such a possibility?
Wgreene58

I couldn't believe what I just received in my aarp june mag...There was an article about bone drug alert and it stated all the things you mentioned in your message about bisphosphorates developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. It goes on to say the problem seems to arise mainly after patients-predominantly cancer patients receiving the drugs intravenously- undergo and invasive dental procedure such as tooth extraction. But some patients have taken pills- fosamax, but should not stop taking them if they have osteporosis.

You stated that you were taking premarin but were taken off. I have a friend who has taken premarin since she had a hysterectomy years ago when she was quite young and the doctor put her on premarin when she broke two teeth and other symtoms and is still taking it. She is 70 yrs old and will not go off it. She is in great shape, usually runs on her tread mill for 1 hr each day. If I had a hysterectomy I would take premarin and would not let the doctor talk me out or it.

Nightengale

Well, I am glad there is some info. Out there on this possible side effect.
I have not taken my med. For 5 days now. Gonna see the doc and let him fuss at me I guess..... I am the one who wanted off the premarin, I have been on it now since 1987 when I had to have a complete hysterectomy at 28 years old. Though I have taken breaks from it in between then and now ( why I have osteoporosis at 48 probably).
But, I appreciate your response and have to decide on this dilemna.
Thanks again, wgreene58