Risk factors — medications
Certain prescriptions have unintended consequences
A variety of medications directly cause excessive bone loss. These include: corticosteroids,
synthetic thyroid hormones, aluminum-containing antacids, some diuretics, anticonvulsants,
and antibiotics.
Other medications, like tranquilizers, sedatives, and antidepressants, increase
your risk of fracture by increasing the chance of falling.
Different drugs affect bone health in different ways. Some diuretics increase calcium
secretion, while long-term use of anticonvulsants is associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Aluminum (contained in many antacids) inhibits calcium absorption and interferes
with mineralization and collagen synthesis. Aluminum is particularly harmful in
people with low calcium intake.
Corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisone are given to treat inflammatory conditions,
including allergies, lupus, and arthritis. They harm bone health on several levels:
they interfere with collagen synthesis, increase parathyroid hormone, inhibit calcium
absorption, increase calcium secretion, impair bone formation, and accelerate bone
breakdown.
Although antibiotics don’t seem to affect bone metabolism directly, they have the
effect of killing off important microorganisms in the intestines that are vital
for optimal nutrient absorption. Overuse of antibiotics may lessen the availability
of nutrients to your bone-building cells. We recommend you pair any antibiotic use
with a course of probiotics, if you don’t take them already.
Depending on your individual circumstances you may not be able to avoid a certain
medication. We recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount
of time necessary. When possible, look for natural alternatives. For example most
women can avoid antacids with dietary and lifestyle changes that promote healthy
digestion.
When you can’t avoid a medication that’s harmful to your bones, it’s all the more
important to support your bone health in other ways. We’ve had great success helping
women mitigate the harmful effects of necessary drugs by reducing other demands
on bone and providing holistic support to bone-building cells.
Our Personal Program for Better Bones is a great place to start
The Personal Program for Better Bones promotes natural bone strength and regeneration
with nutritional supplements, our exclusive bone builder formula, dietary and lifestyle
guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse-Educators. It is based
on over 25 years of research and experience and has helped thousands of women reclaim
their bone health.
- To learn more about the Personal Program for Better Bones, go to
How it works.
- To choose the version of the Program that’s right for you, go to
Compare plans.
- To assess your bone health and fracture risk, take our free
Bone Health Profile.
- To start taking control of your bone health today, sign-up for a
risk-free trial.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-685-3275.
We’re here to listen and to help.
Original Publication Date: 05/11/2009
Last Modified:
02/16/2010