Steroid use for longer than three months due to inflammatory arthritis or other health problems may result in decreased bone density; This, in turn, causes the development of osteoporosis over time. In fact, it is possible to prevent osteoporosis while using steroids. The American Rheumatism Society recommends that anyone using steroids take at least 1200-1500mg of calcium and 800-1000IU of vitamin D daily. Your doctor can determine the amount of vitamin D you should get by measuring your vitamin D level in your blood. Taking calcium alone without vitamin D is not beneficial; must be used together.
Bone density; In addition to daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation, drugs that increase new bone formation are also recommended for people with osteoporosis (T score less than -2.5). Bisphosphonate group (alendronate, risendronate, zolendronic acid) drugs to be used in the first place. If only these drugs are used and calcium and vitamin D are not taken, the treatment will be insufficient, and other problems such as muscle cramps due to calcium deficiency are added. For this reason, care should be taken to take these drugs prescribed for osteoporosis with daily calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Bone density is at the osteopenic level (T score: -1 to -2.5) and patients who will use long-term steroids are recommended to use bisphosphonate group osteoporosis drugs in addition to daily calcium and vitamin D supplements.
In patients for whom bisphosphonate group osteoporosis drugs are insufficient; Can be used in teriparatide. This drug is approved for use in steroid-induced osteoporosis. It is not recommended to use any of the osteoporosis drugs during pregnancy and lactation.
Remember, weight-bearing exercises (such as walking) are of great importance in preventing osteoporosis.
