Also referred to as corticosteroids, they vary from the anabolic steroids that sportsmen and bodybuilders utilize.
Although steroids won’t treat your illness, they are excellent at lowering inflammation and easing its symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Inflammation is often the body’s normal response to microorganisms or illness. In order to combat infections or germs, your immune system creates more fluid, which makes the afflicted region swell, become red, and get hot. If you have ever had a cut or wound on your skin, you may have noticed this.
In certain diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system unintentionally causes inflammation in the joints or other bodily components, which, if unchecked, can result in irreversible harm. This immunological response can be lessened using steroids.
Is there a reason why I won’t receive a prescription for steroids?
If you have any wounds or an infection, you may not be allowed to begin taking steroids since they may mask some of your symptoms or postpone their healing.
Certain medical diseases, such diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems, or mental health concerns, may be impacted by steroids. Your physician must ensure that the steroids aren’t exacerbating any of these conditions if you have any.
You may not be able to use prednisolone if you have systemic sclerosis since it can cause renal difficulties at certain levels.
If you have a skin infection, you will not be able to use steroid creams or gels. If you suffer from rosacea, acne, or ulcers, you may not be able to use steroid creams since they can exacerbate these skin disorders.
If you typically wear contact lenses, you may need to refrain from using them while receiving steroid eye drop therapy.
How do they get taken?
Depending on your condition, there are numerous ways to take steroids and varying dosages. An estimate of how frequently you would need to take steroids is provided in the table below.
Medication should always be taken exactly as directed by your doctor.
Liquids, pills, and soluble tablets
once a day on average.
In the morning, ideally.
either before or after meals to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Gels and creams
For a few weeks, usually once or twice a day.
Your physician may advise taking them for a longer time but less often.
Use it solely on the skin’s afflicted regions.
Ointments and drops for the eyes
It might be necessary to take it frequently during the day.
Every time you take it, there is typically one drop in each eye.
To lower the chance of adverse effects, you will receive the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time. As your symptoms become better, your doctor will likely gradually lower your dosage or recommend a less potent drug.
It’s crucial that you consult your doctor before stopping your steroids.
If you abruptly stop taking steroid pills after using them for more than a few days, you may have withdrawal symptoms. To ensure that your symptoms don’t recur, you may be prescribed a low dose for an extended period of time, called a maintenance dose.
Risks and adverse consequences
Some people will have adverse effects, just as with any medication. These are more likely to occur if you’ve been taking steroids for a long period or at a high dosage.
To keep your condition under control, your doctor will make sure you’re taking the smallest amount feasible. To protect your stomach, you may also be prescribed a medication known as a proton pump inhibitor.
Below are a few of the adverse consequences of steroids:
Liquids, pills, and soluble tablets
gaining weight and being more hungry
heartburn, indigestion, or stomachaches
issues with sleep
alterations in mood
Easily getting bruised
Skin thinning
stretch marks.
The Gels and creams
burning or stinging in the area where the cream was administered
variations in skin tone
Skin thinning
Stretch markings
enhanced hair growth in the areas treated with the lotion.
Ointments and drops for the eyes
burning or stinging in the eyes after applying drops
a peculiar aftertaste after adding drops.
Steroid treatment might alter your mood; you can experience extreme highs or lows. Those who have experienced mood disorders in the past may be more likely to experience this. If this worries you, discuss it with the person writing your prescription for steroids.
Long-term use of steroid pills may increase your risk of infection. It’s critical to notify your doctor or rheumatology nurse if you experience feverish or ill symptoms, or if you experience any new symptoms after beginning steroids.
If you have chickenpox, shingles, or measles, or if you come into touch with someone who has any of these illnesses, you should see your doctor or the person treating you right immediately. These conditions can occasionally be rather serious in steroid users, and you may require further therapy before you begin to recover.
Long-term usage of steroids can also weaken your muscles, and they may sometimes interfere with a woman’s menstruation.