does Prednisolone cause Osteoporosis as I had Osteopenia at the beginning of the year and now have Osteoporosis has anyone had this problem.

[14penny]

H|ave been on prednisolone for about 5 years and think it has caused osteoporosis should the rheumatologist have told me the risk as I was started on them in hospital I am trying to come off of them for fear of crumbling away !!

[FRreedman]

Prednisolone belong to a group of medicines called steroids, which are very good at helping with inflammatory diseases. Unfortunately they have been known to cause Osteoporosis. It is a matter of judgement when to use them and when to stop. IMO you should have been told of the risks, when you started taking them.

[14penny in reply to FRreedman]

Thanks FR reedman,

I thought the same about being told but they just gave me 8 tablets to take in hospital after getting pericarditis and sepsis alongside my usual methotrexate not telling me what they were I feel stupid now that I did not ask what they were and what side effects they had this was 5 years ago and I now have osteoporosis you just think they know best when in their care. so I will now have a word with GP to see if I can come off them. Thanks again

[helixhelix]

If you are on a high dose you should have been told, or at least reminded to read the leaflet that comes with every packet. Did you ever look at it?

[14penny in reply to helixhelix]

Hi Helixhelix, I am only on a small dose a day, and didn't feel to worried but have found out that I now have osteoporosis and will have to go back to GP the trouble started when they gave me them in hospital no one telling me what they were I just accepted they knew what they were doing silly me I just hope I can get off them as I have been on them for about 5 years. Thanks for replying

[sylvi]

I am in the process of getting of steroids as they have piled the weight on again since I went on them in November.xxxxx

[14penny in reply to sylvi]

Hi Sylvi, That's another thing apart from getting osteoporosis which I suspect is from the prednisolone the gave me 5 years ago and took them in good faith I have put on about half a stone as well. Thanks for your reply, hope you can get off them ok.

[sylvi in reply to 14penny]

I am hoping to be off them by Christmas barring any more problems. xxx

[Dobcross1]

Hi I had osteopenia for 10 years, which has now tipped over into osteoporosis over the last year.

I don't take pred but have had so many steroid injections since diagnosis last October whilst waiting for MXT to work. I asked my rheumatologist and he said not, but its seems a bit of a coincidence to me. I was offered Alendronic acid but refused to take it so just take Adcal now. Hope you are getting treatment for the osteoporosis too.

[14penny in reply to Dobcross1]

Hello Dobcross1

Thanks for replying , I too think it is the steroids which I have been taking for 5 years and am also putting weight on which has never happened before, I tried th Alendronic Acid but it made me sick so maybe I will have to go and bother my GP again really fed up with all this just wish they had told me of side effects of prednisolone. I wish you well.

[Plumcrumble]

Hi, I've been prescribed calcium and vit D tabs, to prevent osteoporosis as I've been on prednisolone for over 30yrs have a word with your Gp

Best wishes

[14penny in reply to Plumcrumble]

Hi Plumcrumble,

Thanks for you reply I was on calcium and vitamin D but dr told me to stop as my calcium was too high already then when I went back and saw another dr at same surgery I was told it was not that high. So I will have to visit again making me feel a pest as not sure who is right and if I should come off the prednisolone. Take Care .

[Plumcrumble in reply to 14penny]

Yes it's difficult to get the right balance, all the best

Sarah

[oldtimer]

You may need specific treatment for a while for the osteoporosis. There is a National Osteoporosis Society website which gives good advice on that. theros.org.uk/

[yos72]

Hello14penny

Prednisilone can cause both diabetes and osteoporosis I’m sure you know. Rheumatologist or GP should give you a bone density test every year so they know of any damage. I’ve been on Pred now for 3 and half years and have thinning unhip and lower back. This was labelled Osteopaenia.. it can develop into osteoporosis but not inevitably. I was recommended to avoid carbonated drinks alchohol and coffee in excess.. anything dehydrating as it adds to the dehydration caused by Pred.?

[Sparrowtracks]

I developed osteoporosis after bing on low dose pred for 18 months 😥