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Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis

Topic Overview

Many people take oral or inhaled steroids, which include prednisone, betamethasone, and fluocinolide, for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oral steroids and high-dose inhaled steroids can cause bone loss over time. If you are on these types of medicines for 6 months or longer, you are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which puts you at high risk for broken bones. Once broken bones occur, healing can take a long time because of the decreased ability of your bones to rebuild due to osteoporosis.

If you are on long-term use of steroids, you should be monitored for bone loss.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine
Last Revised November 10, 2010

Last Revised: November 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine

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