Learning about your medicine is important as you understand your options and ensure that you are consuming the right medication. Before taking any medications or supplements, it is always advisable to be aware of the purpose, benefit and risk it entails.
Steriods for instance, are one of the many medications that still harbour a number of misconceptions about its benefit, risks and purpose. Have you ever wondered if steroids are necessary for you? If you’ve been consuming them, have you fully understood it benefits and possible side effects?
If you have not been aware of your steroid medication, we suggest you speak to a healthcare professional to understand your medication. Take the time to learn about the treatment prescribed for you.
To cast away your fears and doubts as well as keep you well informed on some common myths and misconceptions in regards to steroids, we reached out to Pharmacist and Retail Manager, Nur Syafa Addina Dzakwan from Ideal Pharmacy, Kota Pendamar, with some questions.
1Twenty80: Firstly, could you briefly explain to us what steroids are and how do they work?
Nur Syafa Addina Dzakwan: Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions. Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands which is different from anabolic steroid, a harmful version of steroids, which is taken to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performances.
1Twenty80: Steroids come in many different forms. Could you share with us how many types of steroids are there and what are they?
Syafa: Steroids can come in different types of formulation. They can be found as oral medicine which includes tablets and syrups. Corticosteroid is also available as inhalers and nasal sprays. In the treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, injection of steroid such as methylprednisolone is used. Steroids are also widely available in the form of topical preparations like cream, gels and ointment.
1Twenty80: What are the benefits of steroids?
Syafa: Steroids function as an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat a range of conditions, particularly the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. They are commonly used by Specialists and Doctors to treat autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and treating skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Steroids are also known to reduce inflammation during asthmatic attacks when patients are exposed to the allergens causing inflammation on their respiratory system.
1Twenty80: Should steroids be used long-term?
Syafa: Treatments with steroids require an interpersonal healthcare team approach. In a short-term period of use, steroid treatment can give mild side effects, however unmonitored and excessive steroid treatments can cause severe adverse effects. In some cases, it might be irreversible.
In a short term period of use, steroid treatment can give mild side effects, however unmonitored and excessive steroid treatments can cause severe adverse effects. In some cases, it might be irreversible.
1Twenty80: What are some harmful effects of long-term use of steroids?
Syafa: There are many, but to mention few of the worst will be renal or kidney damage. Long term use of steroids can cause steroid dependency. Some of the symptoms include high blood pressure, weight gain, sleep problems (insomnia), unresolved acne, and mental health changes.
1Twenty80: How much steroid is too much?
Syafa: Objectively, to set a straight dose on how much is too much on the uses of steroids are quite tricky. For topical application, uses of steroid in the form of gels, creams and ointments usually should not be more than 10 days continuously. However, for patients that use steroid inhalers and nasal spray in the treatment of respiratory problems, duration of treatment will be longer as steroids act as a preventative in coping with the disease. Patients will always be educated on what are the symptoms they should be wary of, prior to starting the steroid treatment.
Long-term use of steroids can cause steroid dependency. Some of the symptoms include high blood pressure, weight gain, sleep problems (insomnia), unresolved acne, and mental health changes.
1Twenty80: What is NSAIDS?
Syafa: NSAIDS – non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like the name suggests, is a group of medicine that does not contain steroids and is used to treat aches and pain. Briefly explained, most NSAIDs are painkiller medicines. Unlike steroids, the use of NSAIDs are wider and some can even be obtained over the counter without prescription.
1Twenty80: When should steroids be used and when is it unnecessary?
Syafa: The justification of starting patients on steroid treatments must be made by healthcare practitioners such as doctors and pharmacists. They will determine the duration of treatment and monitor any side effects or adverse effects that may arise during the treatment period.
STEROID: FACT OR MYTH?
MYTH #1: Taking too much steroids makes a person look like a man.
Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids. Taking too much corticosteroids will lead to:
- Burning/itchy skin.
- Agitation or psychosis.
- Convulsions.
- High blood pressure.
- Muscle and bone weakness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Extreme sleepiness and worsening health conditions.
Although anabolic steroids are synthetic testosterone, taking them does not make a person look like a man. Anabolic steroids are used and sometimes misused to increase muscle mass and increase athletic performances. However, prolonged use of anabolic steroids can affect men and women in gender-specific ways:
- Men may develop breasts, baldness, infertility, shrunken testicles, and an increased risk for prostate cancer.
- Women may experience male-pattern baldness, deepened voice, facial hair, enlargement of the clitoris, and irregular menstrual cycles.
MYTH #2: All steroids are of one type and have similar effects.
There are many types of steroids available in the market and are used to treat different types of conditions. Hence, the effects they give will also be different from one and another.
MYTH #3: I can stop taking steroids whenever I want, without getting addicted to them.
Stopping treatment when you’ve started on steroids after a certain time can cause withdrawal effects. Always consult with your healthcare providers on how to deal with it. Usually, treatment with steroids will be tapered down if the patient is meant to stop from the treatment.
MYTH #4: Steroids cannot damage heart health if taken in small doses over a long period of time
In 2011, a study published in PLOS Medicine by Mar Pujades-Rodriguez at Leeds University and colleagues suggests that taking corticosteroid (prednisolone) even in amounts less than 5mg daily can double the risk of cardiovascular disease.
SEEK ADVICE!
If you are worried about any of your medicines, seek immediate medical attention/advice from your doctor or nearby community pharmacist.
