Steroids

Steroids are used to treat conditions that cause swelling in the body, such as asthma, allergies, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis.

Different types of steroid medicine include tablets, inhalers, nasal sprays, injections, eye and ear drops, and creams, lotions and gels.

Side effects of steroids depend on the type you're taking, the dose and how long you take them for. They can include weaker bones and more infections.

Steroids are an artificial version of hormones your body usually makes by itself.

They help reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) and stop the body's immune system attacking itself.

They can be used to help treat conditions such as:

• asthma
• allergies, including hay fever and allergic rhinitis
• conjunctivitis
• eczema
• nappy rash
• piles (haemorrhoids)
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• cancer

These types of steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

There are many different types of steroids that come in different forms, such as tablets or inhalers.

The type of steroid you have depends on the condition being treated.

Not all steroid medicines are listed here. If you cannot find your medicine, check the leaflet that comes with your steroid or ask a pharmacist.

Steroids often do not cause side effects if they're taken for a short time or at a low dose.

The side effects you may have depend on:

• the type of steroid you're taking
• how strong the dose of steroids is
• how long you take the steroids for

Any side effects will usually stop when you finish your treatment.

Possible serious side effects of steroids

If you take a high dose, or are on steroids for a longer time, you may have a higher chance of getting more serious side effects.

These can include:

• slowed growth (in children and teenagers)
• weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
• getting more infections
• changes in your mood, such as depression and anxiety
• too much of the hormone cortisol in your body (Cushing's syndrome)
• high blood sugar or diabetes
• high blood pressure
• problems with your eyes, such as glaucoma or cataracts

Your doctor will tell you what side effects to expect if you're taking steroids for a longer time.

They may lower or change your dose if you're having side effects. They may also recommend taking other medicines to help, such as medicines to help strengthen your bones or prevent indigestion or heartburn.

This is not a full list of all the possible side effects of steroids. Check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine to find out more.