Even low doses of steroids increase cardiovascular risks

Corticosteroids are mainly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. There is limited evidence in the area of monitoring/management during the discontinuation of long term steroid therapy. This guidance is developed to ensure safe practice, as there have been reported fatalities secondary to adrenal suppression. Whilst we make every effort to keep up to date, any information that is provided by Vasculitis UK should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

• Steroids affect your child’s immune system, so they shouldn’t have any ‘live’ vaccines if they’re receiving a high dose of injected or oral steroids.
• The lists of side effects is not exhaustive and patients are
  encouraged to read the information sheets supplied with prescription
  medication and to discuss any concerns with their medical team.
• Corticosteroids are not to be confused with anabolic steroids, a type of steroid and class C drug which some body builders use, illegally, to build muscle.
• There are worries about the quality and safety of anabolic steroids that are sold on the black market, with falsified, substandard and counterfeit anabolic steroids not being uncommon.

Examples of corticosteroid medications include cortisone, prednisolone and methylprednisolone. However, they should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are a different group of steroids where to buy drugs used by some athletes and weight lifters to build bigger muscles. Corticosteroids are synthetic drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone which the body produces naturally.

Changes to your face and appearance (Cushing’s syndrome)

Don’t have immunisations with live vaccines while you’re having treatment and for up to 12 months afterwards. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should avoid live vaccinations. There is evidence that steroid drugs may come through into your breast milk.

• Steroid treatment can stop the body producing natural hormones, which can be dangerous if you get ill, have an accident or need an operation.
• Long term use of cyclophosphamide is considered undesirable and has
  been linked to an increased risk of some types of cancer, eg cancer of
  the bladder.
• Some of these counterfeit anabolic steroids may not have the effect that the buyer wanted.
• If growth is slowed, they might be referred to a specialist doctor for advice.

The steroids used alongside brain tumour treatment are corticosteroids. Your child needs to be closely monitored while on steroid treatment, which may include checking their weight, blood pressure and urine. Your GP surgery, local hospital or local community nurses will usually run these check ups.

Side-effects and risks

Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello. If you have COPD, high doses in your inhaler over the long term can mean an increased risk of pneumonia.

They are man-made versions of the hormone cortisol which is created by the human body in the adrenal glands (two small glands at the top of the kidneys). Taking corticosteroids causes the body to slow down production of, or stop making, cortisol. The body then receives the cortisol it needs from the corticosteroids.

Some younger people use them to try and look more attractive, despite risking the negative effects on their looks. Anabolic steroids are available as tablets or as a liquid for injection. If you do not currently monitor your blood glucose levels at home , you may wish to ask your doctor if a prescription for home blood glucose testing will be appropriate. Possession of steroids for personal use isn’t illegal in the UK.

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. This will have information on your dose and how long you’ve been taking them for. Treatment with steroids may cause changes in mood – you may feel very high or very low. This may be more common in people with a previous history of mood disturbance.

Effects on other treatments

This document provides guidance on management and monitoring of children on long term steroids who at risk of secondary adrenal suppression. Steroids are incredibly useful to treat a huge range of diseases and illnesses; in some cases, they are even lifesaving. Side effects are reasonably common, but mostly these are mild. If you have any concerns about the steroid treatment your pet has been prescribed it is always best to discuss this with your vet.

Treating diabetes when on steroids

Your vet will aim to minimise any side effects experienced by adjustment of the dose if needed. Sometimes if side effects are particularly problematic, additional medications may be added into the treatment plan so a lower dose of steroid could be considered. Side effects of oral steroids are dose related or more pronounced in patients with co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes, osteopenia -see below) or COPD. People receiving long-term oral corticosteroids (more than 3 weeks duration) and those needing frequent courses (3 or 4 per year) are at risk of systemic side effects.

Contact Diabetes.co.uk

Patients should follow their healthcare professional’s advice on where, how often and for how long to use topical corticosteroids. Patients experiencing symptoms after stopping their topical steroid treatment should contact a healthcare professional for guidance. We advise anyone experiencing potential withdrawal symptoms to speak to their healthcare professional before starting to use these products again. Suspected adverse side effects can be reported to us through the Yellow Card scheme.