Actonel
Actonel is prescribed to premenopausal women to treat and prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition in which bone density begins to decrease and bones become increasingly fragile. In serious cases of osteoporosis, bones can fracture with little or no trauma. During osteoporosis, bones become porous, meaning they lack the dense structure of a brick and begin to resemble a sponge.
Osteoporosis occurs because of a calcium deficiency, which can happen for a number of reasons. Calcium begins to decrease because of parathyroid gland complications, lack of sufficient calcium intake, or failure to process calcium correctly. Also, when female oestregen levels decrease, as they do during menopause, bones begin to breakdown more quickly. Bones need calcium in order to be healthy and remain dense.
Actonel contains a medicine known as a bisphosphonate, which attaches tightly to the bone and prevents the release of calcium and the continuation of bone breakdown. Calcium and vitamin D can also help prevent bone breakdown, but talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are taking any medications.
Patients can experience a number of side effects with Actonel, including:
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
- heartburn
- joint, bone or muscle pain
- headache
Actonel can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a bone loss in the jaw that is very serious and may require surgery. Patients begin to experience pain and swelling in the mouth, jaw or gums; loosening of teeth and even exposed bone.
If you suffer from osteonecrosis of the jaw or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor and then contact a personal injury attorney.
Bone loss in your jaw can lead to the loss of eating ability, difficulty speaking, loss of teeth and other complications. Medical expenses could increase after taking Actonel because of its serious side effects; a personal injury attorney may be able to help you seek compensation.
Tags: actonel, bone-density, bone-fractures, calcium-deficiency, menopause, osteoporosis, premenopausal