Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (OP) can be effectively treated with a synthetic form of the human parathyroid hormone, Teriparatide. This finding was published in the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the human body and may be termed as synthetically created compounds meant for the purpose of minimizing inflammation. These steroid drugs are presently used for inflammation management in patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, asthma, and Crohn’s disease.

From News-Medical.Net:

“There is a significant number of individuals who are regularly treated with steroids to control inflammation which puts them at risk for developing osteoporosis. A need for therapies that mitigate this side-effect of steroid use and substantially improves bone mass is vital,” commented Dr. Saag. The ACR estimates that diseases commonly treated with (cortico)steroids may affect more than 30 million Americans. “Our research shows that teriparatide is a safe and effective treatment for patients with steroid-induced OA and should be considered as a therapeutic option for those at high risk of bone fracture,” recommended Dr. Saag.

Kenneth Saag, M.D., from the University of Alabama, led this 36-month, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, and suggested that teriparatide is an effective treatment option for patients with steroid-induced OA.