Medications Associated with Osteoporosis

The following is a partial list of medications associated with secondary osteoporosis:

    -  Glucocorticoids such as cortisone and prednisone
    -  Thyroxine (excess)
    -  Antiseizure or anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and phenobarbital
    -  Lithium
    -  Anticancer drugs
    -  Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera)
    -  Heparin (long-term)
    -  Aromatase inhibitors such as Arimidex, Aromasin and Femara
    -  Cyclosporine A
    -  Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists such as Lupron and Zoladex
    -  Thiazolidinediones such as Avandia for type 2 diabetes
    -  Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec
    -  Methotrexate
    -  Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

These and other drugs can cause bone loss, so make sure you ask your doctor if any of the medications you are taking are linked to increased fracture risk.