Fosamax (generic name Alendronate) Zometa and Aredia are types of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Recently a link has been found between bisphosphonates and a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of jaw (ONJ). This important discovery clearly shows that Fosamax and Zometa side effects may include osteonecrosis of jaw (also known as Dead Jaw.)

The discovery published in Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons prompted both US Food and Drug Administration FDA and Novartis manufacturer of bisphosphonates used in cancer chemotherapy to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24 2004. The warning letter contained information about bisphosphonates and risks of osteonecrosis in jaw Bisphosphonates are commonly used in tablet form such as Fosamax Alendronate Sodium to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Stronger forms of bisphosphonates are commonly used in management of advanced cancers that have metastasized to bone where disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures.

Several cancers can involve or metastasize to bone including lung cancer breast cancer prostate cancer multiple myeloma and others. When bisphosphonates are given in cancer chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously and usually for longer periods of time.

Answer : SINUSITIS refers to an inflammation of mucous membrane that lines sinus of skull. Sinus is a cavity that is usually filled with air or blood. Sinuses are located close to nasal cavities and also near ear.

Therefore, infection of sinusitis travels from mouth, nose and throat along mucous membrane lining. A person, who is suffering from sinusitis, may experience severe headache over affected sinus area and nose may be blocked on affected side.

Allergy, repeated attacks of acute sinusitis or inadequate treatment of acute sinusitis combined with nasal obstruction cause a chronic sinusitis (long-standing). Acute (short-lived) sinusitis is caused by nasal infection in which sinuses become blocked by common cold or by any feverish respiratory illness such as influenza. Other than that, acute sinusitis may also be caused by a dental abscess, a fracture of bone in face or sudden pressure change.