Blood pressure medicines cause bone loss?
Meet the Experts
Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, and associate professor at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Betty: Do certain blood pressure medicines contribute to bone density loss?
- Answers —Charles Shapiro, M.D.: Thiazide diuretics or certain water pills contribute to bone loss.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Steroids like Prednisone or Decadron can certainly increase your risk for osteoporosis. If you need to take these medications over a long period of time, osteoporosis is a real issue.
- Charles Shapiro, M.D.: Most commonly, severe asthmatics or people with chronic emphysema who are on long-term steroids may have a problem with bone loss.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Charles Shapiro, M.D.: There are other medical conditions that are associated with bone loss, such as a hyperactive thyroid gland.
On Wednesday, August 21, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Keeping Your Bones Strong. Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to measure the strength of your bones, how to find out your risk for osteoporosis, and what you can do to lower that risk.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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