Corticosteroid Treatment

Question 1

When can oral corticosteroids be stopped abruptly?

Answer 1

When they have been taken for less than 3 weeks

Question 2

When should you NOT stop corticosteroids abruptly?

Answer 2

More than 40mg daily (or equivalent for more than 1 week)

Repeated evening doses

Received more than 3 weeks treatment

Received repeated courses e.g acute asthma exacerbations

Possible causes of adrenal suppression e.g excessive alcohol consumption or stress

Question 3

When would you receive a steroid treatment card?

Answer 3

Long term treatment e.g longer than 3 weeks

Question 4

What needs to be monitored during the course of treatment?

Answer 4

Blood pressure - each appointment

Triglycerides and potassium - 1 month after initiating, then every 6-12 months after

HbA1c - 1 month after initiating, then every 3 months after

Body weight - regularly

Height of children/adolescents - regularly e.g 6 months

Eye adverse effects - 6-12 months