Prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in the elderly

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis is a serious complication of corticosteroid therapy. Bone loss occurs within the first three to six months of corticosteroid use. Fracture rates can be quite high within the first year of corticosteroid therapy. All patients on or starting corticosteroids need to have assessments for secondary causes of osteoporosis, counseling for modification of risk factors, and measures taken to prevent fractures. All …