Steroid Counselling

Hello_____
My name is ________
I'm a __________

Find The Problem
I understand that you've been recently been put on steroids. How do you feel about that? What do you know about steroids? You understand what it is for? Do you have any understanding of the side effects?

Information

Steroids are naturally produced in the body and help reduce inflammation and swelling. Steroids are often used synthetically to help with health problems characterised by inflammation. They are very different from the kind that you hear about in the news that athletes take - those are known as anabolic steroids and act differently on the body.

However, steroids aren't used unless they have to as they have these side effects, but these usually only occur after prolonged use and with higher doses, and we monitor carefully to see if any of these occur.

These include:
Infection - immunosuppression
Higher blood pressure - monitored regularly
DM - can happen go to GP if feeling tired/going to the toilet more
Osteoporosis - thinning of bones - supplements of Ca and Vit D/bisphosphonates/HRT
WG - fullness of face
Increase in appetite
Skin thinning - bruising
Mood change - irritable/depressed
Dyspepsia - indigestion/stomach upsets

General Advice
Blue steroid card - keep with and inform doctors so they can prescribe safely for you. You can also wear a bracelet to let paramedics know.

You musn't stop suddenly as while you take this medication the body produces less of its own steroids, adn stopping suddenly can cause your body to react badly - for example causing confusion, abdomoinal pain, and can require you to go to hospital.

Avoid smoking/drinking
Avoid ibuprofen
as they can increase the likelihood of indigestion

PMHx
Do you suffer from epilepsy/osteoporosis/diabetes/hypotension/excessive bleeding/tuberculous/chicken pox/stomach ulcers?

DHx
Do you take NSAIDs/any other medication?
Allergies?

SHx
Smoke/Drink

Is that all clear? How do you feel about that? We can arrange a follow-upappontment with GP if you have any further questions you want to ask. What have you taken away from this?

I can give you some leaflets. Steroid cards also carry a lot of info, so don't worry if you forget.