Finasteride: A Steroid-Unsparing Drug?

This document discusses the effects of low-dose corticosteroids on bone density in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The study found significant bone loss in patients with PMR, but also noted that the inflammatory disease itself has important consequences on bone. The study suggests that adequate steroid treatment is necessary to suppress the inflammatory process and limit the detrimental effect on bone. The document also discusses the need for prophylaxis against bone loss in patients requiring long-term corticosteroid treatment, but notes that clear guidelines are not available due to the lack of well-designed studies.