What is a common side effect associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Long-term corticosteroid therapy is known to cause several side effects due to the drug's effects on metabolism, immune response, and bone health. Osteoporosis is one of the most significant complications associated with prolonged use of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids impact bone health by inhibiting bone formation and promoting bone resorption, which can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

Patients on long-term corticosteroid treatment are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis because corticosteroids reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium and limit the production of sex hormones, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy bone density. This makes monitoring and managing bone health crucial in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.

While obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus can also occur with long-term steroid use due to its metabolic effects, the direct impact on bone health stands out, making osteoporosis a hallmark side effect that healthcare providers closely watch for in patients on these medications.