Corticosteroids

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KEY POINTS

• Corticosteroids, also called steroids, are medicines used to treat symptoms caused by inflammation, such as swelling and irritation.
• Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take. You should not stop taking a steroid without your provider's approval. You may have to lower your dosage slowly before stopping it.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.

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What are corticosteroids used for?

Corticosteroids, also called steroids, are medicines used to treat symptoms caused by inflammation, such as swelling and irritation. Some conditions caused by inflammation include:

• Asthma and other lung diseases
• Arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Psoriasis
• Eczema and other allergic conditions

If you have an organ transplant, such as a kidney or heart, you may take steroids to keep your body from rejecting the transplanted organ.

Steroids may be used for only a few days, or they may be used for several months or years.

Don’t stop taking a steroid without your provider's approval. You may have to lower your dosage slowly before stopping it to prevent side effects.

How do they work?

Corticosteroids block the chemicals that your body makes that cause swelling and irritation. In some doses, they can change the way the immune system works.

You don’t need a prescription to buy mild forms of the medicine, such as skin cream with a low amount (1%) of hydrocortisone. However, you need a prescription from your healthcare provider for most steroids.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
• Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.