Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders prompted by the uncontrolled division of cells. These fast growing cells can then invade other tissues through direct contact growth, or through distant site growth called metastasis. The abnormal growth is attributed to changes or damage to DNA and the cells can quickly change from benign to malignant cells. The cell mutations can be caused by both chemical and physical agents called carcinogens or through exposure and contact to radioactive materials or through certain viruses that can alter human DNA. When being treated for cancer, a patient is likely to be exposed to numerous cancer drugs. Some are specifically designed to combat and kill the cancer, while others are used to protect against cancer metastasis or side effects from chemotherapy drugs.
For example, Actonel, Aredia, Fosamax, and Zometa are several very popular bisphosphonate drugs that are prescribed to cancer patients. Bisphosphonates are often used to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and other conditions that lead to bone fragility. Additionally, stronger intravenous forms of Bisphosphonates are used in the management of advanced bone cancers, to strengthen bones and also to keep other cancers from metastasizing into the bones. When Bisphosphonates like Fosamax or Zometra are given during cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given for long periods of time and they work effectively by slowing bone loss by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone turnover.
Unfortunately, bisphosphonates do present cancer drug side effects and have been linked to a condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) also known as Dead Jaw or Phossy Jaw. Warnings have been circulated to medical professionals that patients should avoid invasive dental procedures while on the any of these drugs. Novartis first warned of the jaw ailment in September 2004 and made doctors and dentists aware of the side effect from Fosamax. Essentially the jaw bone cannot heal after it has been damaged or manipulated after minor or major trauma which includes tooth extraction, or any procedure that causes the bone to be exposed. This exposure can eventually lead to serious infection and jaw fracture and ultimately may lead to surgery to remove any dead jaw bone tissue.
Symptomatic treatment for cancer patients is, in most cases, quite safe. Even in the instances of ONJ in patients taking bisphosphonates can be avoided with clear communication between doctor and patient. These kinds of medications are crucial to symptom management, stopping the spread of the disease and maintaining the overall quality of life of a patient. In most instances the benefits of these medications far outweigh the risks.
Still, if you have been the victim of a cancer drug defect, cancer drug side effect or a cancer symptom drug defect, you may be eligible to seek compensation or redress from the drug manufacturer. You may be able to get medical cost coverage, pain and suffering compensation and compensation for lost pay, when applicable. If you contact a reputable product liability attorney or personal injury attorney they can advise you on your rights and your best course of action. Defective drugs that compromise your health when you are battling a disease like cancer can have life altering or threatening results. If you are concerned that your rights have been violated, contact an attorney as quickly as you can.