Prednisone induced Osteoporosis

Posted , 4 users are following.

I feel strongly that the Osteoperosis in the hips has been caused by taking Prednisone for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I have been advised by both my PCP and rheumatologist that I need to be taking drugs. The one they suggested was Prolia. After reading the side affects of that plus all the others, I just don’t want to do it.  I’m hoping to find the right supplements to reverse the Osteoperosis to at least Osteopenia. I know that the prevailing thoughts are that it can not be reversed.

Has anyone had any luck with calcium supplements, etc that have improved your Osteoporosis.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    I take HRT oestrogel gel it’s helped my osteoporosis. I wouldn’t touch alendronic acid or prolia

    If you still have your uterus you will need to have progesterone too or have the mirena coil fitted

  • Posted

    I have not had bone thinning as severe as osteoporosis but I have improved my t-score from a level where drugs were advised to a level where they aren't, from -2 to -1.6.  In one year, more than half of that year at a pred dose still above 5 mg.  Google healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey to find my account.  

    I am not alone in having been able to improve my bone density.  I was given advice on the natural means by a woman who had osteoporosis and improved her bones into the osteopenia range, and continues to improve.  From time to time someone posts about their own experience.  There are some people who don't seem to be able to get any better but it seems that most people who try the natural means are able to improve.  It's very possible that those who have no luck have some other underlying disease which prevents them from forming enough new bone and once that issue is resolved then their bones become more dense again.. I think that someone has posted about the parathyroid being involved in such a condition.

    • Posted

      I’m currently taking a calcium supplement that labels the calcium as ‘elemental calcium’. It also contains Vit c, Vit D3 and Vit K2 plus other minerals. I’ve read about AlgeaCal but it is really expensive. Wondering what your natural approach is?
    • Posted

      As I said in my earlier reply, google healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey - that will give you more info than you will want!
    • Posted

      Yes - a lot of information.  Will find out my dexa scan results next week. I’ve been off prednisone since end of March and hoping supplements have made a difference. I will start looking into what you have done and although I walk and hike a lot I need to add the weighted vest - although concerned about issues with back adding weights. Will go carefully. Thanks!
    • Posted

      The best vests allow you to add only a couple of ounces at a time.  I wouldn't get one which has heavier weights because I think that's hard on our vulnerable backs.  Need to go slow!

    • Posted

      I’ve seen prices from $300 to  less than $30(weights not adjustable). Any suggestion for an affordable adjustable brand?
    • Posted

      Will private message as not allowed to send link - although, amusingly, during the times I've been on Patient on a device with no ad blocker I've seen ads for this very product! 

  • Posted

    I had steroid-induced osteoporosis of the spine in 1998 - 2001, after being on long term Prednisolone in 1996. I was prescribed 'FOSOMAX', 70 mg once a week. I had my regular scan in September 2001 and the nurse was so astonished that she did the scan again as the medication had cured the osteoporosis! I don't know if FOSOMAX is still available to be prescribed but if it is, try it.

    • Posted

      Barb, you have been lucky. Fosamax is alendronate sodium. You need to be aware that there have been successful class action suits filed against the manufacturer owing to serious side effects, particularly spontaneous femur fractures, after it has been taken for a few years.

    • Posted

      Ooops, the reply was really addressed to Knackered. It's Knackered who has been lucky. The rest of us need to know the down side of Fosamax.

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