Monitoring adverse drug reactions associated with bisphosphonates therapy among Libyan patients treated in public hospitals: the case of osteonecrosis of the jaw

Abstract

This study was carried out to identify ADE, associated with the use of both PO and IV Bps among Libyan patients. The results indicated that significant number of patients have suffered different ADRs when using this group of medicines, for long period of time including BRONJ. The study has introduced BRONJ as being one of the major bisphosphonate-associated risks that causes decline in patients’ quality of life, and emphasized the importance of early detection of signs and symptoms associated with ONJ, thus reducing its incidence among Bps users. The results underlined the importance of investigating the prevalence of BRONJ among Libyan patients undergoing long-term Bps treatment, as has been emphasized by both TUH’ chief maxillofacial surgeon who introduced the two cases of BRONJ in only one month and the oncology clinical pharmacist who together sensed the aggravating risk of the misuse of this group of drugs and stressed the need to develop special protocol to ensure safe treatment.The study also pointed out the importance of multidisciplinary health team, including a dentist and a pharmacist, to ensure safe and effective use of this group of medications. This study therefore opens the door to investigate the adverse consequences that face patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment. It also introduces all precautionary measures that should be taken into consideration when prescribing and administering bisphosphonates