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Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 2 2008

Steroids and fractures

Corticosteroids (steroids) are very useful medicines. They are used to reduce inflammation in many conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

The steroids have many side effects. One side effect is thinning of the bones. This increases the chance of breaking a bone.

There is more risk of a fracture with high doses of steroids. The lowest effective dose should be used. If the steroids can be stopped, the higher risk of fracture reduces within a year.

Patients who need to keep taking steroids may have to take other medicines to try and prevent fractures. Most patients will be given calcium and vitamin D. Some patients may also be given medicines called bisphosphonates to slow thinning of the bones.