Your Steroid Medication

PURPOSE: To decrease inflation (swelling).

USE:
Nasal Spray

• Shake your nasal spray before each use. Make sure a spray appears when using a new bottle.
• Do not point the nozzle toward the center of your nose, look down at your toes and aim the nozzle a bit to the side. Sniff in and spray simultaneously. Dab excess medication away with Kleenex, but don't blow for 20 minutes.
• Your nose should be examined by a doctor on a regular basis to make sure that membranes are not damaged or inflamed.

Oral Inhalants

• Shake medication.
• Each puff should be done separately.
• You should wait at least one minute between puffs.
• Hold your breath for ten seconds after each puff.
• Use a spacer device if ordered by your doctor.
• Rinse your mouth after each use of the inhaler (notify your doctor if you develop sores in your mouth).
• Use as directed by your doctor

Oral Pills

• Take your medication with or after meals.
• Your medication should be taken in the morning, as a single dose, if you get 'wired' on steroids.
• When long term use is needed, the medication may be given on alternate days or gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Nasal Minimal side effects such as:

• Local irritation or sores may develop in the nose. Bleeding may also occur

Oral Pills

• Short course (less than two weeks)
  • Water retention.
  • Increased appetite and reversible weight gain. Mood changes.
  • Heart burn.
  • Feeling "wired."
• Medium course (two weeks to several months)
  • All of the above and:
  • An increased tendency for mood swings.
  • An increased tendency for infections if steroid is at high dose.
• Long course (several months to years)
  • All of the above and:
  • Mineral loss from bones (osteoporosis)
  • An increased tendency for cataract formation. An increased tendency for bone fractures.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Steroids are only used if your doctor feels that the benefit of treatment outweigh the risks. . Your doctor will attempt to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible.
• The benefits of steroids take several hours to several days for the full effect to occur.
• It is important to take the medications exactly as prescribed.
• Steroid dose should never be stopped or changed without your doctors instruction, as this may increase the risk of side effects,
• These are not the anabolic steroids used by athletes.