|  | Conditions Treatments | Osteoporosis

Fosamax Side Effects on Jaw, Brain & Eyes

Fosamax is a drug commonly used to treat bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, by increasing bone density levels. Unfortunately, the side effects of Fosamax are quite serious, often affecting the jaw, brain and eyes.

  1. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

    • Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is the most serious side effect of Fosamax. ONJ is a bone disease that leads to the death of jawbone tissue. Symptoms often include pain or numbness in the jaw area, loose teeth, infections of the tissue and bone exposure within the oral cavity.

    Scleritis

    • Although rare, scleritis is a possible side effect of Fosamax. Scleritis occurs with inflammation of the sclera, the outer coat of the eyeball. Symptoms include severe head pain and impaired vision.

    Uveitis

    • Another rare, but possible, side effect of Fosamax on the eyes is uveitis. With this condition, the iris, choroid and ciliary bodies are inflamed, resulting in eye redness, blurred vision, eye pain and sensitivity to light.

    Vertigo

    • Taking Fosamax may cause vertigo, a feeling of severe dizziness. With vertigo, you may feel as though you are spinning around dizzily, or that everything else is spinning wildly around you.

    Headaches

    • Using Fosamax may cause severe and/or persistent headaches. For some people, using Fosamax causes severe migraines that are difficult to control.

Osteoporosis - Related Articles