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Drugs May Weaken Bones

Q. I have taken prednisone for years due to an arthritic condition. Because of stomach upset, my doctor has prescribed Nexium to prevent an ulcer.

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and wonder what can be done to counteract the bone-damaging effects of my medicine.

A. Dozens of drugs can weaken bones. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone are especially problematic when used for long periods of time. Even inhaled steroids (Advair, Flovent, Symbicort, etc) may pose problems over time.

There is also concern that regular reliance on acid-suppressing drugs such as Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) might also increase the risk for fractures (Archives of Internal Medicine, May 10, 2010).

Because you have osteoporosis, you are at high risk for a fracture. It is essential that you work with your doctor to develop a treatment strategy, so we are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis. It has a discussion of risk factors, non-drug approaches and the pros and cons of medications such as Actonel, Boniva and Fosamax.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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