Some people are prescribed steroid medicines on an ongoing basis for the treatment of long-term conditions. Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed steroid. Other examples of steroids include dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone. Taking steroids long term is helpful to treat conditions associated with inflammation, but ongoing steroid use can cause side effects. See below: Common side effects with long-term steroids.
Taking steroids for longer than two weeks can also cause other effects on your body that requires you to be extra careful.
- Reduce your dose gradually: If you've been taking steroid tablets for more than a few weeks, you usually need to reduce your dose gradually. Stopping suddenly can cause your adrenal gland, which makes important hormones for the body, to stop working. This is called steroid withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms can be serious and even life threatening. Read more about the importance of stopping steroids slowly and the symptoms of steroid withdrawal.
- Have a sick day plan: Taking steroids long-term reduces your body's ability to respond to stress such as surgery, infection or being unwell. This usually means that you will require a higher dose of steroid at times of stress. If you are taking or have been on steroid medication and you become unwell or need to have a procedure or surgery, your doctor will talk to you about a sick day plan. Read more about a sick day plan.