SIDE EFFECTS OF PREDNISONE

The side effects of prednisone can include brittle bones and osteoporosis if calcium and vitamins supplements are not taken to prevent bone loss.

Steroids and Corticosteroids are the most common drug-related cause of osteoporosis. They are used for a wide variety of conditions, including inflammatory intestinal illness, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis as well as to suppress the immune system after a transplant. These drugs may be prescribed as a pill, injection, a spray or a skin cream. When used for a short time or injected into a joint or swollen area there is no effect on bone health, but when used for long periods of time (3 months or more) they begin to destroy the bone-building process. Some of the more frequently prescribed steroid drugs are prednisone, prednisolone, Medrol, Deltasone, Decadron, cortisone, Cortel, Celestone, and Aristocort.

Studies show that within the first year after starting corticosteroid therapy, patients lose an average 14 percent of their bone mineral content. Anyone on long-term steroids should have a bone density scan, use bone building supplements, join an exercise class that includes weight training and possibly begin taking medication to prevent the inevitable bone loss.

For information on vitamins and minerals that help prevent the side effects of prednisone....visit Osteoporosis Treatment Guidelines.


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