Presnisone side effect on bones

Hi Rose:  How long was your course of prednisone?  Generally, Dr.'s worry about the effect of prednisone if it's used for a long period of time on a daily basis.  For instance, I've had cortisone injections over the years for various joint/pain problems and was told that these injections, since given once a year or longer, would not effect my bones.  I've also taken dose packs of prednisone after surgery, but only for 7 days, and again was told that this amount would not hurt *me*.

With that said, I would ask your Dr. and see what he/she thinks since we all react differently to these meds, and the amount and length of time taken seems to be the thing you would want to consider.

Some of us need to take prednisone for other medical problems, like asthma, and in these cases you would have to weigh the risk versus benefit, since those on pulmonary inhalers need these to breathe, so you can't just stop taking it, unless you no longer need it.

Here's a link on steriods and skeletal health from the Univ of WA bone physiology course that may help.

Here's another link on the role of supplements in increasing bone density.  If there are studies on this topic of using supplements alone to treat osteoporosis you should be able to find a listing of them within the web site, also from the Univ of WA--Dr. Susan Ott.

Good luck and ask your Dr about both of these issues.