Guide To The Side Effects Of Steroids

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Physicians may prescribe these drugs as part of a treatment plan for conditions such as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Depending on the condition to be treated, steroids may be prescribed as topical creams or oral tablets, and they might also be given as injections. Patients taking oral corticosteroids will normally need to take these in the morning, and taking them with food is suggested. To reduce the risk of potential side effects, doctors normally prescribe corticosteroids for no more than two to three weeks. Corticosteroids need to be prescribed and used with caution if a patient has a history of epilepsy, liver problems, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, or diabetes.