Consideration of Osteoporosis Risk in Selecting Inhaled Corticosteroids for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Budesonide vs Fluticasone?

Objective: The use of medium and low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) did not increase the risk of osteoporosis in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The goal is to look at the risk of osteoporosis that comes with Budesonide and Fluticasone when choosing ICS for people with COPD, since this group of people is more likely to get osteoporosis. Methods: Patients with Stage E COPD who were on ICS and came to a tertiary healthcare facility between January 2024 and January 2025 were included. There were three groups in the trial: people with COPD who were taking inhaled budesonide, those who were on fluticasone, and a control group. Results: The study comprised 122 participants: 16 COPD patients utilizing inhaled fluticasone, 16 COPD patients utilizing inhaled budesonide, and 90 individuals in the control group. The mean age of the study participants was 72.79 years; the mean age of the fluticasone group was 74.69 years, the mean age of the budesonide group was 73.19 years, and the mean age of the control group was 72.38 years. The groups exhibit no significant difference for osteoporosis (p>0.05). No significant difference was seen between the groups for the duration and intensity of ICS use (p>0.05). Conclusion: In individuals with COPD, the administration of budesonide and fluticasone as inhaled corticosteroid options has not elevated the risk of osteoporosis.