Evaluation of bisphosphonate user patients’ awareness of dental considerations and maxillofacial side effects in patients refered to Shahid Qazi hospital of Tabriz in 2014-15

Abstract

The bisphosphonates are synthetic compounds with structures similar to inorganic pyrophosphate (an endogenous regulator of bone mineralization). Prevalence and significance of diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer is increasing day by day, and although bisphosphonates have high safety margin, like any medicine, they can have some side effects, too.This study aims to improve the interaction between doctors with each other and with their patients in order to raise awareness and reduce possible problems by assessing the level of awareness of patients taking bisphosphonates drugs regarding the side effects and relevant considerations.Methods: In this study, the target population is composed of patients admitted to Shahid Gazi hospital of Tabriz in in 1393, who were users of bisphosphonates drugs.The Data were collected by the use of a structured questionnaire based on Peterson's book (which is the reference book of General Dentistry). Since, no studies similar to the present one have been done before, the Census Method will be used. The data will be analyzed on the basis of descriptive statistics methods (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), using SPSS version 22.Results: In this study, 50 patients were studied. Analysis of patients' awareness of possible side effects and interactions of drugs showed that 54 percent (27 people) were not aware of any of the possible side effects and drug interactions and 46 percent were aware of at least one of the side effects, however, no one was aware of the Osteonecrosis of jaw.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that bisphosphonate drug users’ awareness of its harmful effects following oral surgery, especially osteonecrosis of jaw, is low. Therefore, in order to raise awareness and reduce the side effects of the drug it is necessary to provide complete information in the brochures of the drug. Moreover, the interactions between the doctors with each other and with the patients need to be increased.