title: Awareness and education of patients receiving bisphosphonates.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bisphosphonates are used to fight osteoporosis and for treating malignancies. In 2003, the first case reports appeared that described bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ). The aim of this study was to assess patient awareness of the adverse effects of bisphosphonates in order to improve cooperation among doctors and between doctors and patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with symptoms of osteoporosis, prostate cancer, or breast cancer were surveyed to determine their knowledge of bisphosphonates. The questionnaire comprised 12 questions that covered sociographic data, kind of medication, level of information, and side effects experienced. Out of 142 patients contacted, 55 participated in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  62% of patients received most of their knowledge about the prescribed drug from the package insert. Despite knowledge that the patient was under treatment with bisphosphonates, 80% of dental treatments were continued without modifications. Only 32% of patients that received intravenous bisphosphonate treatment were aware of the possible risks of developing BONJ.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The level of information is poor concerning the side effects of bisphosphonates, particularly the risk of BONJ. Clinicians should aim to sensitize the relevant people about the risks before treatment.
authors: Department of Prosthodontics (Head: Prof. Dr. Manfred Wichmann), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glückstrasse 11, Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Julia S
authors: JS
authors: Bauer
authors: Nina
authors: N
authors: Beck
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Kiefer
authors: Philipp
authors: P
authors: Stockmann
authors: Manfred
authors: M
authors: Wichmann
authors: Stephan
authors: S
authors: Eitner