Steroids

WHAT SPECIAL INFORMATION SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR DOCTOR?

Make sure you tell doctors and nurses treating you about any of the following:

• Infections. Oral steroids can both make infections more severe and mask symptoms of infections. Also let them know if you have had Tuberculosis (TB) in the past or been in contact with someone with TB

• Liver problems. Levels of steroids in the blood may be increased if your liver is not working properly

• Psychiatric disturbances. If you have a pre-existing mental illness (including psychosis, severe depression or bipolar disorder) or a predisposition to mental health problems (such as a family history of depression)

• If you have wounds from recent surgery or are going to have surgery soon

• Steroids can delay healing

Pre-existing conditions, including heart failure, a recent heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, an underactive thyroid, osteoporosis, obesity or peptic ulcers. Steroids can make some conditions worse so your medical team may need to monitor your condition more closely. In patients with diabetes, for example, steroids can increase blood sugar levels leading to the need to adjust medications.

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