As we age, bones become weaker and more prone to fractures. However, certain medications can also increase the risk of bone fractures. In this article, we will discuss the medications that can lead to bone fractures.

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are a type of steroid hormone commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, glucocorticoids can reduce bone density within just a few months of use.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, are commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive disorders.

While these medications are generally considered safe, long-term use has been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, individuals who took PPIs for more than one year had a 44% higher risk of hip fracture compared to those who did not take these medications.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant that are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they can also increase the risk of bone fractures.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, individuals who took SSRIs for more than one year had a 30% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Anti-Seizure Medications

Anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, are commonly prescribed to treat seizures and other neurological disorders.

While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. According to a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine, individuals who took anti-seizure medications for more than one year had a 60% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

While these medications can be effective in preventing these conditions, they can also increase the risk of bone fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, individuals who took anticoagulants for more than one year had a 25% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

TZDs, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, are commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. While these medications can be effective in treating this condition, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.

According to a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, individuals who took TZDs for more than one year had a 45% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole, are commonly prescribed to treat breast cancer. While these medications can be effective in treating this condition, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, postmenopausal women who took aromatase inhibitors for more than one year had a 19% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists (GnRHas)

GnRHas, such as leuprolide and goserelin, are commonly prescribed to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, and other conditions.

While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of Urology, men who took GnRHas for more than one year had a 32% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Diuretics

Diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other conditions. While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they can also increase the risk of bone fractures.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, individuals who took diuretics for more than one year had a 20% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.

Calcineurin Inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are commonly prescribed to prevent organ rejection in individuals who have received organ transplants.

While these medications can be effective in preventing organ rejection, they can also weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, individuals who took calcineurin inhibitors for more than one year had a 55% higher risk of bone fractures compared to those who did not take these medications.