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Suggest Treatment For Steroid Dependence Syndrome
Question: I am 22 years old, an Ulcerative Colitis patient for almost two years now, was always on systemic steroids on and off but stayed on them for the last three months on high doses between 40-60 mg?, I am worried about my body developing a steroid dependence syndrome?. can you please let me know id this is a risk?
Brief Answer:
Steroid effects on body
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. You have been on steroids for last 2 years and on high dose steroids since last 3 months. Usually, if you use steroids ( prednisone) of the dose more than 10 mg for more than 3-4 weeks, then your body's own steroid production will come to a halt. Hence doctors can not suddenly stop steroids in you. They have to wean off very very gradually over a period of 1-2 months.
Long term steroids surely have an impact on health. Example: Diabetes, cataract, decreased bone strength, high blood pressure, weight gain etc. You must take Sufficient calcium and Vitamin D to protect your bones and it is better to check your blood calcium and vitamin D levels.
Besides, you may also have to use other medicines ( bisphosphonates) to protect your bones. You will have to discuss this issue with your doctor and may need to visit an endocrinologist.
Please feel free to ask further if you have more doubts
Regards
Binu
Steroid effects on body
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. You have been on steroids for last 2 years and on high dose steroids since last 3 months. Usually, if you use steroids ( prednisone) of the dose more than 10 mg for more than 3-4 weeks, then your body's own steroid production will come to a halt. Hence doctors can not suddenly stop steroids in you. They have to wean off very very gradually over a period of 1-2 months.
Long term steroids surely have an impact on health. Example: Diabetes, cataract, decreased bone strength, high blood pressure, weight gain etc. You must take Sufficient calcium and Vitamin D to protect your bones and it is better to check your blood calcium and vitamin D levels.
Besides, you may also have to use other medicines ( bisphosphonates) to protect your bones. You will have to discuss this issue with your doctor and may need to visit an endocrinologist.
Please feel free to ask further if you have more doubts
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so if the doctor helps weaning off the steroid gradually over 1-2 months I don't run the risk of developing steroid dependence?
Brief Answer:
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Not really. If he is able to wean off the steroids soon, then it is okay
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Not really. If he is able to wean off the steroids soon, then it is okay
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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