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Steroid-induced osteoporosis prevention — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsSteroid-induced osteoporosis preventionGPhC CRA

A 76-year-old man prescribed prednisolone 40 mg daily for polymyalgia rheumatica asks why alendronic acid and calcium/vitamin D have also been prescribed. He has had a previous wrist fracture. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — They reduce glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis risk

Long courses of systemic corticosteroids increase fracture risk, particularly in older people and those with previous fragility fracture. Bone-protection therapy is commonly considered alongside lifestyle and fracture-risk assessment. Counselling should include how to take alendronic acid safely and when to seek help for swallowing symptoms.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS