FAQ

Steroids

SHOULD I BE DOING ANYTHING TO PROTECT MY BONES FROM OSTEOPOROSIS?

Steroids can affect bones by decreasing the rate at which the bone-building cells work, which accelerates bone loss. How seriously the bones are affected usually depends on the dose and length of steroid treatment.

Guidelines recommend anyone prescribed steroids should take Vitamin D and calcium supplements to help their bones. They also state that bisphosphonate drugs (which slow down the cells which break down bone) should be considered for anyone over 65 years who has been taking steroids for longer than three months and younger people with low bone density (DEXA) scores. Bisphosphonates can cause skeletal abnormalities in foetuses, making it important for women of child-bearing years taking these drugs to avoid becoming pregnant. Older people using steroids could take the opportunity to get their bone density measured.

Steroids taken rectally (in enemas or suppositories) and budesonide are less likely to cause bone weakness than steroids taken by mouth or intravenously.

To help maintain healthy bones you can introduce a number of life style changes including stopping smoking, increasing weight bearing exercise (jogging and brisk walking) and limiting alcohol intakes.

Additional documents:

• Bones and IBD
• Healthy Bones

References