A Jaw-Dropping Consequence: Nintedanib's Role in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Cureus. 2024 Jul 29;16(7):e65689. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65689. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a cornerstone in the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through its anti-fibrotic effects; however, its impact on wound healing is less studied. We present a case of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) following the initiation of nintedanib. The patient's presentation prompted a drug holiday of nintedanib, resulting in a marked improvement in her symptoms. MRONJ is a disease requiring a high index of suspicion, and the number of inciting medications continues to rise. Nintedanib, as an inhibitor of angiogenesis, may have contributed to poor wound healing following dental extraction, subsequently leading to MRONJ.

Keywords: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and its comorbidities; ipf; medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; nintedanib; osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Publication types

  • Case Reports