Zometa

Zometa, or zoledronate, is a bisphosphonate drug marketed by Novartis taken intravenously and used to prevent osteoporosis and skeletal fractures in patients with multiple myeloma and other cancers. Multiple myeloma patients taking Zometa have been shown to have a high incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis, or "bone death," of the jaw is a condition in which there is pain, swelling, and bone damage around the tooth sockets. Loss of bone can lead to loose teeth, bone spurs, and other problems. Most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw occur following dental procedures, and are often complicated by infection.

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