How patients' lack of knowledge about oral bisphosphonates can interfere with medical and dental care.
BACKGROUND
Oral bisphosphonate use has been associated with a small risk of developing oral osteonecrosis that occurs spontaneously or after the patient has undergone dental surgery. The authors conducted a study to determine whether patients taking bisphosphonates had knowledge about the medical indication for the therapy and the duration of treatment, as well as whether they had been educated by their physicians about possible adverse reactions.


METHODS
From June 2008 through April 2009, people seeking routine care in a dental clinic and who were being treated with bisphosphonates were invited to participate in the study. The participants were asked questions involving knowledge about the medical indications related to their taking bisphosphonates, the duration of their therapy and whether they had been educated about possible adverse reactions.


RESULTS
The authors interviewed 73 participants; 84 percent stated they knew why they were receiving bisphosphonate therapy. However, 80 percent said they were unsure about the duration of therapy, and 82 percent could not recall if they had been told about the risk of experiencing adverse reactions, including oral osteonecrosis, by their physicians.


CONCLUSIONS
People taking bisphosphonates may be unfamiliar with the drug and its possible adverse oral side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Dentists should be prepared to educate patients about the risks of developing oral complications resulting from bisphosphonate use and the need for appropriate dental care. Questions regarding discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy should be answered by the physician.
Migliorati
Cesar A
CA
Department of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA. migliorati@uthsc.edu
Mattos
Katia
K
Palazzolo
Mitzi J
MJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019386:Alendronate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000188:drug therapy; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D003729:Dental Care; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012968:Etidronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012968:Etidronic Acid; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid; D019386:Alendronate