Steroids

CAN I TAKE OTHER MEDICATIONS ALONG WITH STEROIDS?

Before you take any new medicines, check with your IBD team or pharmacist whether there could be an interaction with steroids. This also applies to any over-the-counter medicines and any herbal, complementary or alternative medicines and treatments. You should tell any doctor or dentist treating you that you are taking steroids.

Some key drugs that interact with steroids include anticoagulants (such as warfarin), drugs for blood pressure, antiepileptics, antidiabetic drugs, antifungal drugs, bronchodilators (such as salbutamol) and diuretics.

Studies suggest taking steroids with aspirin and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, increases the risk of peptic ulcers. If you need both medications, ask your IBD team if you might benefit from taking proton pump inhibitors as well to help prevent ulcers.

References