corticosteroid induced osteoporosis

Last reviewed 11/2020

Osteoporosis is one of the major complications of corticosteroid therapy. This is particularly true for higher doses of steroid and longer term use. Evidence suggests that bone loss is most profound when first commenced on steroids and there is an argument for osteoporosis prophylaxis initially when at risk patients are first commenced on long term steroids.

Efforts should be made to minimise the dose of steroid, and to attempt to improve risk factors.