Steroid treatments and osteoporosis risk

Alternatively, there is a non-live shingles vaccine (Shingrix) that you may be able to have instead. See your doctor or the person treating you straight away if you develop chickenpox, shingles or measles, or if you come into contact with someone who has any of these illnesses. Sometimes these diseases can be severe in people who are taking steroids, and you might need to have other treatment before you start to get better. The person treating you will make sure you’re on the lowest possible dose to keep your condition under control.

Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against illness and infection.
These are NOT anabolic steroids, which are used by some athletes to build muscle.
Patient’s often ask us how long a steroid injection is going to take to work.
Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands which are 2 small glands found above the kidneys.
We list some of the less common side effects of steroids below.

You should not take anti-inflammatory painkillers e.g. ibuprofen (low dose aspirin is OK), as together they may increase the risk of a stomach ulcer developing. Do not take over-the-counter preparations or herbal remedies without discussing this first scotiamultisport with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. There aren't usually any severe side effects if you take steroid injections, a steroid inhaler, or a short course of steroid tablets. However, prolonged treatment at high doses can cause problems in some people.

Coming off treatment

You might be prescribed a generic version of prednisolone - it will contain exactly the same active ingredients, and works in the same way as a branded version. I'd like to share all the things that I have learnt that have improved my health and quality of life over the past 15 years living with IBD. If you would like further information or would like to talk about any aspect of your lymphoma, please contact us. If you notice any changes in your vision, ask your GP or optometrist (optician) for an eye health check.

This means that supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
If you have high-dose steroids, or steroids and other cancer treatments at the same time, you may have an increased risk of infection.
Your cancer doctor or nurse can explain the risk of these side effects to you.
You need to take all five tablets at one time in the morning with food and they should not be taken as individual tablets throughout the day.

It is important to make sure you know how long to take them for. Take them exactly as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist explains. Your child needs to be closely monitored while on steroid treatment, which may include checking their weight, blood pressure and urine.

The steroid most commonly used with brain tumours is dexamethasone. They are fast-acting drugs, so the effects caused by the tumour can reduce quite quickly. It’s important that this is monitored, as receiving more steroid than you need could cause bone loss. Some studies in adults suggest a link between long-term inhaled steroid use and an increased risk of breaking bones.

Staying safe while taking steroids

If you run out of steroids you must inform your GP immediately as you should not stop taking your steroids suddenly. Your GP will have been sent a copy of your discharge summary, including the list of medication you were prescribed on discharge from hospital. They will continue to prescribe all your medication, so please ensure you inform them if you need any repeat prescriptions.

Which common brands of prednisolone are used to treat IBD?

You need to take all five tablets at one time in the morning with food and they should not be taken as individual tablets throughout the day. The side effects of methylprednisolone are usually mild and will go away quickly when you finish the treatment course. The most common side effects include a metallic taste, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, mood swings or altered mood and flushing of the face.

Protecting your bones

Your appetite should go back to normal when you stop taking steroids. If you are worried about gaining weight, talk to your doctor or nurse. Your cancer doctor or nurse can explain the risk of these side effects to you.

Steroids for asthma

You should have this card if you are dependant on daily steroid use. This means your body has problems making enough of a hormone called cortisol. Having this problem can affect your body’s ability to cope with stress.

Corticosteroids in pregnancy to reduce complications from being born prematurely – patient information leaflet

Oral or rectal prednisolone can be used to treat adults and children with ulcerative colitis when they are having a flare. It can sometimes be used alongside aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) such as mesalazine or sulfasalazine. When you have IBD, your immune system attacks parts of your digestive tract by mistake, causing inflammation. Prednisolone can quickly help to reduce this inflammation and improve your symptoms.

Low levels of potassium in your blood

You can usually drink alcohol while taking steroid tablets, but do not drink too much as this may irritate your stomach. Accidentally taking too many steroid tablets is unlikely to be harmful if it's a one-off. It's normally best to take steroid tablets with or soon after a meal – usually breakfast – because this can stop them irritating your stomach. This can help treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body.

If you're already taking steroid tablets, ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice before taking any other medicines, remedies or supplements. Tell your doctor if you take any other medicines, including herbal remedies and supplements, before starting steroid tablets. But sometimes they can cause unpleasant side effects, such as an increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.