We learn as children that milk builds strong teeth and bones. But
as adults, we need to be aware that things can tear down our
bones, too.
Two new, similar studies examined medications that can influence
bone mineral density. BMD is a measure of bone strength and bone
mineral content. Low BMD puts both men and women at risk for
osteoporosis-related fractures.
Healthy BMD depends on many factors, including adequate calcium
and vitamin D intake and regular exercise. Bone loss, or low BMD,
can be caused by not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, as
well as by smoking, inactivity, genetics and certain
medications.
Drugs Can Cause Bone Loss
Oral corticosteroids (like prednisone, cortisone or
dexamethasone) can cause bone loss if taken regularly. Other
medicines, such as antiseizure drugs, very high-dose thyroid
drugs or drugs that lower testosterone levels, can also cause
bone loss.
One study compared two groups of women who had asthma. One group
used inhaled corticosteroids, commonly known as steroids, to
control asthma symptoms. The other group didn’t use steroids.
All of the women had their BMD measured over three years. Women
who used inhaled steroids had more bone loss in their hips and
upper thigh bones than women who didn’t use steroids.
The women who inhaled more than eight puffs of steroids daily had
even more bone loss than those who inhaled only four to eight
puffs. The more inhaled steroid used, the greater the bone
loss.
While this study makes inhaled steroids sound harmful, people
with asthma shouldn’t stop using them.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have asthma, work with your doctor to control your asthma
symptoms with the lowest steroid doses possible or with
nonsteroidal asthma medications. Also, talk to your doctor about
BMD testing and how to protect your bones.
The second study looked at preventing or slowing bone loss in men
treated for prostate cancer. These patients are often treated
with drugs that decrease levels of testosterone (male hormones).
Bone loss is a common side effect. This drug-induced bone loss
can cause osteoporosis and increase fracture risk in men.
All of the men in the study were treated with a
testosterone-lowering drug. Half were also treated with a drug
that works to slow bone loss.
Men treated with the testosterone-lowering drug alone lost bone
in their spine, hip and thighbones. Men both treated with the
bone-saving drug and testosterone-lowering drug had no bone
loss.
About 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this
year. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, discuss
treatment options and side effects with your doctor. If you’re
taking testosterone-lowering drugs, discuss how to slow bone loss
and if you need BMD testing.
Calcium, Activity
Critical
Both studies bring to light the unseen and harmful effects some
drugs can have on bones. It’s very important for people taking
drugs that can cause bone loss to consume adequate amounts of
calcium and vitamin D. Adult men and women need 1,000 milligrams
of calcium and 200 international units of vitamin D daily.
Adults over 50 need 1,200 mg calcium and 400 to 600 IU vitamin D
daily. This is easily supplied by three or more servings of milk
daily. However, you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D
supplements to protect bones from the medication side effects.
We all need to get as much physical activity as possible,
especially weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing or
gardening, to keep bones strong. It’s important to avoid things
that weaken bones, like smoking and heavy drinking.
If you have any of these risk factors, ask your doctor if you
need medications that prevent bone loss.
To read more on bone loss studies, visit this Web site:
