Long-term continual use of topical steroids linked to skin withdrawal side effects
If you’re not able to keep fit and active because of your asthma symptoms, lack of physical activity can add to the problem. If you get any side effects, including any not listed here, or in the patient information leaflet, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.
- It
is essential that patients on high dose steroids are monitored for the
development of diabetes. - Find out more about the risks and side effects from long-term steroids.
- A surprising finding was that even low daily doses increase the risk.
- Your doctor may suggest a bone mineral density scan known as a DEXA scan to assess your risk.
- We urge people who are affected to read the newly published patient safety leaflet and to speak to their doctor or other prescriber if they have questions and concerns.
Corticosteroids, often known as steroids, are an anti-inflammatory medicine. They can also be imported or exported as long as this is carried out in person. This means they can’t be posted or delivered by a courier or freight service.
Tablets or liquids
If you’re worried about this, talk to the person who is prescribing your steroids about it. Your dose may need to be reduced slowly over a few weeks or months. If you’ve been taking corticosteroids for a while, you may also need tests before you stop taking them. These will make sure that your adrenal glands are still working properly.
Let your healthcare team know if you notice any changes in your emotional or psychological wellbeing. Also let them know if you or any family members have ever had depression or manic depression (bipolar disorder). Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.
Will steroids affect my bone health?
Long term or continuous courses of steroid tablets can affect the way the body controls blood sugar levels. If your blood sugars stay raised, this could lead to ‘steroid-induced diabetes .’ Your doctor should arrange blood tests to check your blood sugar levels. If you notice you’re thirsty, or need to urinate more than usual, tell your doctor.
Raised sugar levels and diabetes
Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands which are 2 small glands found above the kidneys. If you have troublesome side effects, don’t stop taking https://mensblogs.net your medication until your doctor says it’s safe to do so. They’re a man-made version of hormones, normally produced by the adrenal glands (2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys).
If you’re worried about any side effects, ask your GP or asthma nurse for advice as soon as possible. For example, if you have an upset stomach after taking steroids, your GP may suggest taking the tablet with meals or after food. Research is ongoing into new treatments for all types of severe asthma.
Long-term, these features can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder which also exists in patients where the body makes too much of the stress hormone cortisol. NHS approved education and behaviour change app for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity. Corticosteroids may be taken orally in tablet form, via inhalers, via injections or within lotions, gels and creams.
Download our information about steroids (pdf) –
In children and teenagers, steroids can sometimes cause growth to slow down, so they’ll need to have their height checked regularly. If growth is slowed, they might be referred to a specialist doctor for advice. If you’re taking high doses of steroids, or if you’re on them for more than three weeks, you’ll need to carry a steroid card.
Difficult to control asthma
Adrenal crisis can happen if they do not know to keep giving you steroids. The card also alerts them that your body might need extra help to deal with the injury, operation or illness. Most people on a short course of steroids can safely stop at the end of their course.However, anyone taking long term steroids will be told to reduce the dose gradually.
