Weekly Topic...
Steroid
Medicines: How to Stop Safely
What
are steroid medicines?
Steroids are medicines with very strong anti-inflammatory effects.
They can reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness). Steroids are helpful for many conditions, such as asthma and
arthritis. They come in pills, sprays, creams and ointments.
The
creams and ointments can help some skin conditions, such as eczema and
contact dermatitis.
Are
steroid medicines dangerous?
Steroids are very effective and lifesaving
medicines, but they can cause side effects if they are taken for a
long time. These side effects include thin skin, a higher blood sugar
level and weakened bones. Because of these side effects, steroids are
usually used only for a short time.
Your
body naturally makes steroids all by itself. When you use steroid
pills, sprays or creams, your body may stop making its own steroids.
When you're under stress--caused by infections or surgery, for
example--your body would normally make extra steroids. But if you have
been taking steroids for a long time, your body may not be able to
make enough steroids in times of stress. At these times, you may have
to take more steroid medicine.
What
happens when my steroid medicine is reduced?
As your steroid medicine is reduced
(tapered), your body must begin to make more steroids on its own. This
may take a few weeks or even a few months. While your body is getting
used to making its own steroids, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded or
tired, or have stomach pain. These problems are sometimes called
steroid withdrawal symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms or
notice anything unusual while your steroid medicine is being reduced,
tell your doctor right away.
How
will my steroid medicine be reduced?
The amount of steroids you take is reduced
little by little. Your doctor will give you a schedule to follow for
taking the medicine. It is very important that you follow this
schedule carefully.
If
it's time to stop taking steroids after you've been taking them for a
long time, your doctor may want to do a simple blood test to see when
you can stop the medicine completely. Even when the medicine is
stopped, your body may be slow in making the extra steroids that you
need in times of stress. At these times, your doctor may want you to
continue or restart your steroid medicines for a short time until the
stressful time is over.
What
can I do to prevent steroid withdrawal symptoms?
- Never stop taking your steroid medicine unless
your doctor tells you to.
- Don't take any other medicines at the same time
as steroids, including over-the-counter drugs, without telling
your doctor first.
- Consider buying a Medic-Alert bracelet to wear
all the time. If you become unconscious for some reason, this
bracelet will tell emergency health workers that you are taking
steroids. Always tell health care workers that you are taking
steroid medicine.
If
you feel sick while your steroid medicine is being reduced, tell your
doctor right away.
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Disclaimer
This information is being provided by Axiom Medical Consulting, LLC as a service. Users of
this information should make appropriate analysis and check the information to their own
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or accuracy of the content of the information presented in this e-mail, nor can they
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