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Piling on the Pills
How medications impact bone health
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.
Most Americans take some form of medication every day. Whether it is a prescription for allergies, a simple over-the-counter pain reliever, or an essential drug for disease management, we take these concoctions with one final goal in mind – feeling better. But, sadly, as anyone who has ever read the fine print on a drug advertisement knows, all medications come with their share of side effects.
Sleuthing for the Sake of Your Bones
While the side effects of most medications are minor, there are some medications that, when taken long term, can contribute to significant bone loss. Give your medicine cabinet a check for the following:
- Glucocorticoids (also called cortisteroids or steroids, i.e. Prednisone) – used to treat arthritis, asthma, lupus, Crohn’s disease, etc.
- SSRI Antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil) – for treatment of depression.
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, or Avandaryl) – for diabetes.
- Thyroid Hormone – for treatment of thyroid disease.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin), barbiturates, and valporate – used to treat seizures.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prilosec) – for chronic heartburn.
- Antacids containing aluminum – for heartburn.
- Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) – for treatment of endometriosis and prostate cancer.
- Heparin – to thin the blood.
- Lithium – for psychiatric management.
Handle With Care
If you are taking any of the above medications for disease management, you should continue its use as prescribed. However, discuss the potential for bone loss with your doctor so that together you can determine the lowest dose and shortest course of treatment that will be effective. [IMPORTANT NOTE: Never discontinue a maintenance drug without first consulting with your physician.] In addition, take special care with your bones by:
- getting enough calcium and vitamin D every day through foods and supplements like Adora Calcium
- including exercise in your daily routine
- quitting smoking
- monitoring your bone health with regular bone density scans (SEE “How Are Your Bones Today” )
If you suffer from a chronic disease, medication can greatly improve your quality of life. By simply practicing caution and keeping track of your risks, you can feel your best while keeping your bones strong.
For more information visit:
National Osteoporosis Foundation – Risk Factors
References
The Associated Press. Heartburn Drugs Linked to Hip-Fracture Risk. MSNBC.com 12/29/06,retrieved 5/15/07 LINK
Kathleen Doheny. Antidepressants May Up Fracture Risk. WebMD Medical News.1/22/07, retrieved 5/15/07 LINK
Miranda Hitti. Diabetes Drug May Up Bone Fracture. WebMD Medical News. 2/22/07, retrieved 5/15/07 LINK
National Osteoporosis Foundation. Boning Up on Osteoporosis: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment. 2005.
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Published by circle of health (formerly nw | health and bone)
Copyright © 2007 Thompson Brands. All rights reserved.
circle of health does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. circle of health compiles information from a variety of public sources to provide individuals with the tools to actively and naturally promote bone health and other related women's health issues. We encourage the broad use of the web to provide additional information. Consult your physician or other health professional in regard to specific medical conditions. |
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