What is a common side effect of chronic corticosteroid use?

Chronic corticosteroid use is well-known to lead to the development of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids can reduce bone formation by inhibiting osteoblast activity and increasing bone resorption by osteoclasts. These effects together lead to decreased bone density over time. Patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy may experience an increased risk of fractures due to weakened bones.

While corticosteroids can also contribute to other conditions such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension, the direct impact on bone metabolism makes osteoporosis a particularly significant concern. It is important for clinicians to monitor patients using prolonged corticosteroid therapy for signs of osteoporosis proactively and implement preventive measures, such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications to reduce fracture risk.