They do not "cause osteoporosis" - they MAY lead to osteoporosis which is not the same thing. I have been on pred for 14 years, most of it at above 10mg. a lot of it 15mg. In the first 11 years my bone density deteriorated slightly but was still in the range at which nothing more than calcium and vit D supplementation was required, never bisohosphonates. I know two other ladies, mid 80s and 90 years old, one had PMR twice so several years of moderate dose pred and the other had GCA so high doses. Both have bone densities over 95% .
Other treatments ARE considered - however, you need one that works. In the case of GCA and PMR there is one proven biologic which still doesn't work 100% for everyone as biologics are very specific. There may be more than one mechanism causing the inflammation - so you would need 2 biologics - probably £30K per year and they still don't cure the disorder, just manage it. Pred is a universal antiinflammatory - it is cheap and it works reliably. Used properly it is a lifesaver - and in the case of GCA, prevents a lot of people going totally and irreversibly blind. Leaving the inflammation untreated, especially in vasculitis, can result in stroke and other vascular damage over time. It isn't a simple black or white question. If only it were.
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No Need to Self Isolate with Covid after 24th March?
Found out why no referral - computer lost it!
Has anyone recovered from adrenal deficiency? 
SUDDEN Rise in ESR Pt. 3 
GCA is the most common form of vasculitis!
