Steroids

WHAT CHECKS WILL I NEED FOR LONG-TERM STEROID TREATMENT?

• Blood pressure and weight should be measured regularly, and children will need growth checks

• You may be offered blood tests to check your potassium level and for raised blood sugar and triglycerides after starting steroid treatment and then every few months

• You should visit an optometrist every six to 12 months to check for glaucoma (a condition increasing pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve) and cataracts

• People taking steroids long term will be monitored for adrenal suppression

References