Rheumatoid Arthritis medications and their effects on bone health

Prednisone can cause periodontal disease. I don't know about the other meds.

@shadow001 You have been taking prednisone and Orencia for how many years? Yes, prednisone can cause some bone loss. I’m actually going to see my dentist next week because I’ve been on prednisone for about 6 years. I got osteoporosis but now I’m worried about other prednisone-caused problems. I read that Orencia actually lessens bone loss. The article I included talks about the role of biologics in autoimmune disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27796445/
I would suggest that you have a good discussion with your physician about your RA and the meds you are taking. Do your research and write down questions that you want answers to. Can you do that?

Hi @shadow001, I'd like to add my welcome. I agree with @becsbuddy and @lasks to write down your questions and discuss the pros and cons of medications on bone health while effectively managing RA. I'm bringing fellow RA-ers like @ktgirl @mjq @adlttl123 @suzcape @gdcm and @nleejewell into this discussion.

You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Anyone have experience with ORENCIA (abatacept) infusions for RA? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/orencia-insusion-experience/
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra-introduce-yourself-and-meet-others/
- Rheumatoid arthritis questions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rheumatoid-arthritis-questions/

Took Orencia for 20 years with excellent results, until it stopped working. Do have osteopenia, but genetically predisposed and, at age 72, not surprised.

thanks for the input - I see a periodontist Monday morning and my primary Dr in the afternoon. So many Doctors and so many health issues. What helps one thing causes another it seems