Medicines That Can Cause Osteoporosis

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Certain medicines are known to cause bone loss, which may lead to osteoporosis. These include:

Corticosteroids, used to treat conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If used for a period of 6 months or longer, corticosteroids can lead to steroid-induced osteoporosis.
Thyroid replacement medicine, if the dose is more than the body needs. This should be monitored by checking the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at least every year.
Antiseizure medicines, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine.
Medicines used to treat endometriosis, such as leuprolide (Lupron Depot) and nafarelin acetate (Synarel).
Aromatase inhibitors, used to treat breast cancer.
Hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer.
Some antidepressant medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are used to treat many conditions, including depression, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual syndrome.
Heparin, a blood thinner, if used for a long time.
Depo-Provera, a birth control medicine given by injection, if used for a long time
Antacids that contain aluminum, if they are overused. Aluminum-containing antacids remove calcium from your body.
Some diabetes medicines, such as rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos).

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 12, 2011

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