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Reporting MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction: an oral surgery survey

British Dental Journal (2024)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant adverse drug reaction associated with anti-angiogenic and anti-resorptive medications. The aim of this survey was to highlight the importance of reporting adverse drug reactions, including MRONJ.

Methodology An electronic survey was disseminated to dentists working in the oral surgery department Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust in November 2021. The survey consisted of 14 open and closed questions relating to the identification and reporting of MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction.

Results Although 97% of participants had seen a patient with MRONJ, only 19% had reported an adverse drug reaction to any medication. Interestingly, 27% of respondents felt that MRONJ should be classified as a ‘post-operative complication' rather than an ‘adverse drug reaction'. In total, 22% of participants were unaware of how to report an adverse drug reaction.

Conclusion This survey acts as an important reminder to encourage both patients and dental professionals to report adverse drug reactions, including suspected MRONJ, to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Reporting aids accurate national data collection, highlights risk and supports ongoing research in this area.

Key points

  • A refresher on the process of reporting adverse drug reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

  • To educate professionals in both primary and secondary care to consider reporting MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction.

  • A reminder to the readership that all healthcare professionals and patients can report adverse drug reactions without distorting incidence rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Specialist Oral Surgeon, School of Dental Science, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

    Katy Martin

  2. Specialty Dentist in Oral Surgery, Department of Oral Surgery, Birmingham Dental Hospital, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

    Sarah Martin

Authors
  1. Katy Martin
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  2. Sarah Martin
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Contributions

Katy Martin and Sarah Martin were both involved in the conception, data collection, data analysis, writing and reviewing of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Katy Martin.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval was not applicable as this is a survey based on current practice of staff within a local unit within an NHS trust. There is no patient data. Consent was implied by completion of the survey.

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Martin, K., Martin, S. Reporting MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction: an oral surgery survey. Br Dent J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-8016-1

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