Non-GCs Drug-Induced Osteoporosis

Abstract

Medications that cause osteoporosis are numerous and common. While helping to correct one problem, they may be putting you at greater risk of having osteoporosis. A variety of drugs may cause bone loss by lowering sex steroid levels (e.g., aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer and GnRH agonists used in prostate cancer), interfering with vitamin D levels (liver-inducing antiepileptic drugs), or directly affecting bone cells (chemotherapy, phenytoin, or thiazolidinediones) which divert mesenchymal stem cells from osteoblastogenesis to adipocytogenesis, consequently, an imbalance occurs between bone formation and resorption, as well as between soft organic matrix and hard inorganic matrix. Besides effects on the mineralized matrix, interactions with collagen and other nonmineralized matrix components can decrease bone biomechanical competence without affecting bone mineral density (BMD). Here is a quick narrative for a number of disease medications that can cause osteoporosis if taken for long periods without a preventive program of minerals and vitamins. Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acid reflux, thyroid dysfunctions, seizures, endometriosis, aromatase inhibitors, hypertension, contraceptive Depo-Provera, antidepressant (SSRIs, SNRIs), glitazones for type 2 DM treatment.