Medications that can cause osteoporosis

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Certain medications are known to cause bone loss, leading to osteoporosis. These include:

Oral or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids—such as prednisone and beclomethasone (QVAR)—used for more than 6 months to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and lupus.
Thyroid replacement medication, if the dose is more than the body needs. This should be monitored by checking the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) every year.
Medications used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin.
Medications used to treat endometriosis, such as leuprolide (Lupron Depot) and nafarelin acetate (Synarel).
Certain cancer treatments, including aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer, such as anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin).
Heparin, a blood thinner, if used for a long time.
Depo-Provera, a birth control medication given by injection, if used for a long time.
Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine
Last Updated	December 1, 2006

Last updated:	December 01, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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