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Oral Steroids: Types And Side Effects
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Health topics
Oral steroids are a class of medications used for various medical conditions.
Healthy living
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential when using oral steroids to manage side effects and overall well-being.
Managing conditions
Oral steroids are often prescribed for chronic or acute conditions requiring anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment.
Medicine information
Understanding the types, uses, and precautions of oral steroids is crucial for safe medication use.
Tests and investigations
Regular monitoring may be necessary to assess the impact of oral steroids on health parameters.
GP practice services
GPs play a key role in prescribing and managing oral steroid treatment plans.
Pharmacy services
Pharmacists provide guidance on medication use, interactions, and adherence to prescribed regimens.
Medical tools and resources
Tools such as dosing guides and patient information leaflets assist in understanding oral steroid usage.
Medical professional hub
Healthcare professionals access detailed guidelines for the safe and effective use of oral steroids.
Professional articles
Comprehensive resources for medical practitioners on the clinical applications of oral steroids.
Oral steroids
Oral steroids are synthetic versions of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses.
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In this article
This article covers key aspects of oral steroids, including their types, uses, side effects, and management strategies.
What is an oral steroid?
Oral steroids are medications that mimic natural hormones to manage inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Types of oral steroids
Common types include prednisone, dexamethasone, and betamethasone, each with specific indications and potencies.
What are oral steroids used for?
Treated conditions include asthma, arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders.
What is the dose for oral steroids?
Dosage varies based on the condition, severity, and individual patient factors, typically starting at low levels.
How long are oral steroids used?
Treatment duration depends on the medical condition, ranging from short-term to prolonged use under medical supervision.
When should I take oral steroids?
Follow prescribed timing, often with food to minimize gastrointestinal effects and at consistent times daily.
Side-effects of oral steroids
Common side effects include weight gain, mood changes, and increased susceptibility to infections.
'Thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis)
Prolonged use may weaken bones, increasing fracture risk. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is often recommended.
Weight gain
Fluid retention and metabolic changes can lead to weight gain, which should be monitored closely.
Increased chance of infections
Weakened immune response raises vulnerability to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Increase in blood pressure
Oral steroids may elevate blood pressure, requiring regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
Insulin resistance can develop, particularly in patients with diabetes or at risk of developing it.
Skin problems
Prolonged use may cause thinning skin, bruising, and delayed wound healing.
Muscle weakness
Long-term steroid use can lead to muscle atrophy and reduced strength, necessitating physical activity and rehabilitation.
Mood and behavioural changes
Emotional fluctuations, irritability, or depression may occur; support from healthcare providers is important.
An increased risk of developing cataracts
Long-term use increases the likelihood of vision problems, requiring regular eye check-ups.
An increased risk of duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers
Oral steroids may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing ulcer risk; protective medications are often prescribed.
Who cannot take oral steroids?
Patients with certain conditions like active infections or peptic ulcers should avoid them unless under strict supervision.
How do I stop oral steroids?
Gradual tapering is essential to prevent adrenal insufficiency and other withdrawal effects.
When not to stop taking oral steroids suddenly
Sudden discontinuation can lead to severe health complications, including adrenal crisis.
Why is it necessary to reduce the dose gradually before stopping oral steroids?
The body may rely on the medication for hormone production; gradual reduction allows recovery of natural cortisol levels.
Other important points about oral steroids
Adherence to prescribed regimens, regular follow-ups, and reporting side effects are critical for safe use.
Can I take other medicines when I am taking steroids?
Some medications interact with steroids, requiring dose adjustments or monitoring by healthcare providers.
What should I do if I am taking one of the medicines which interact with oral steroids?
Contact your doctor immediately to discuss potential interactions and alternatives.
Can I take oral steroids if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use under medical guidance is necessary, as steroids may affect fetal development or pass through breast milk.
Further reading and references
Additional resources for in-depth understanding of oral steroid use and management.
Article history
This article was updated to reflect the latest guidelines on oral steroid usage and safety.
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