Guide To The Side Effects Of Steroids

Bone Loss

Bone loss and osteoporosis are most likely to occur in individuals placed on oral corticosteroids for an extended period. After six months of treatment with corticosteroids, patients could lose as much as ten to twenty percent of their bone density. Doctors will typically request that the patient has a bone density scan before beginning high-dose corticosteroid treatment. The scans should be repeated at least once a year, and the results can be compared to prior scans to determine how much bone is being lost. To strengthen bones and prevent bone loss, patients taking corticosteroids are generally asked to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, and prescription medications such as raloxifene, calcitonin, and risedronate may be appropriate for improving bone health. Patients are encouraged to do weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, and running to stabilize their bone mass. Patients concerned about their bone density may want to ask their doctor about newer injectable medications that can strengthen bones.

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