Xgeva S/E

[MJCA]

Hi Gents,

Lately while chewing food, I get a searing pain in my ear. After researching this, it is apparent that it is TMJ. I know Xgeva may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. My question is can TMJ be signs of early onset osteonecrosis? I mentioned this to my MO last week. I am monitoring the situation. My MO mentioned a possible switch to Zometa. That med appears to have worse S/E.

Thanks!

[Tall_Allen]

How long have you been taking Xgeva? Some believe that it should be taken no more than 2 years at a time, followed by a break. Of course, if your BMD is very low, you have to take at least some kind of bisphosphonate.

[MJCA in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have been taking it for 5 years. I don’t recall having a BMD test ordered in my labs. I guess I should check with my MO. Thanks Allen!!

[GAdrummer in reply to MJCA]

In the meantime, don't chew gum!

All the worrying while waiting for test results may increase grinding your teeth while you sleep. If you are having ear/jaw joint pain, your dentist may have to put you on a muscle relaxant and make you a mouth guard to restrict jaw movement. As a caretaker, the strain has caused me to wear thru crowns and mouth guard.

[MJCA in reply to GAdrummer]

Thanks. I don’t chew gum. I don’t grind my teeth (I was just at the dentist). I have had this disease so long I don’t worry. My only “worry” is when will I have the energy to travel again! When I was dealing with my late Father, that had me grinding my teeth, but only for a few months and always while awake - never while sleeping. That is what led me to think that close to 6 years of Xgeva may be the culprit.

[Concerned-wife in reply to MJCA]

bone mineral density. DEXA scan