Q What is considered prolonged therapy?
A Usually more than 4 weeks.

Q Do steroid nasal sprays enter the system?
A Yes, and once the steroid is in your system it is the same as an injection?

Q What steroid have you gotten the most complaints about? What is the most common complaint?
A Kenalog, atrophy.

Q What are some long term effects of corticosteroids?
A Bone loss, glaucoma, cataracts, atrophy,
premature menopause, acne

Q What are some of the short term side-effects?
A Cushing's, diabetes, high blood pressure,weight gain, irregular bleeding, bruising,mood swings, sleep problems, depression, hair loss.

Q How should I use steroids?
A As a last resort and in the smallest effective dose.

Q Why do steroids cause weight gain?
A Corticosteroids add fat cells to the places in the body where we normally have the most fat cells such as the face, belly, breast, pubic area, upper back.

Q What tests should be run after prolonged steroid therapy?
A An ACTH blood test and a 24 hr urine test to check cortisol levels.

Q Should potent steroids be used on the face?
A NO, certain areas of the body (like the face and genital area) absorb more than others.

Q Should babies be given steroid creams for diaper rash?
A No. Diapers act as an occlusive dressing
causing a higher absorbtion.

Q Can steroid therapy effect an unborn child?
A I believe they can but more research is needed.

Q How can steroid side-effects be reduced?
A Lowering the dose or alternate day therapy.

Q How do I reduce muscle cramping and joint pain?
A Usually this occurs durig steroid withdrawal, drinking plenty of water will help ease the cramping & joint pain.

Q Is tingling and/or numbing of the limbs a steroid side-effect?
A Yes, they can be steroid side-effects.

Q Most common steroid complaints?
A weight gain and mood swings.

Q Are children at risk more for steroid side-effects?
A Yes, their bodies are smaller so it takes
much less steroid to cause adverse effects.