Download FACT SHEET Steroids - Leukaemia Foundation

FACT SHEET
Steroids
About us
The Leukaemia Foundation is
Australia’s peak body for blood
cancer, funding research and
providing free services to
support people with leukaemia,
lymphoma, myeloma and related
blood disorders.
We invest millions of dollars in
the work of Australia’s leading
researchers to develop better
treatments and cures and provide
free services to support patients
and their families.
Steroids are drugs which mimic certain natural
hormones in the body that help to regulate and control
the way the body develops and functions.
There are several types of steroids. Those used in the treatment of blood cancers, known
as glucocorticoids, can suppress the immune system and prevent inflammation.
Glucocorticoids should not be confused with anabolic steroids used by some athletes to
build muscle. The two steroids used mainly in blood cancer treatment are dexamethasone
and prednisolone. These are commonly used either alone or in combination with
chemotherapy or targeted therapies. When used with certain therapies, steroids can
enhance the effects of those drugs in killing cancer cells.
How are steroids to be taken?
Steroids need to be taken exactly as prescribed. You should never change your steroid
dose or stop taking this medicine suddenly, unless instructed by your doctor. Steroids can
be given either in tablet form (orally) or intravenously (into the vein). Tablets should be
taken with food, usually with breakfast, or with milk, to help protect the lining of the
stomach from irritation and to prevent an upset stomach. Take your doses early in the day
to prevent trouble sleeping.
We receive no ongoing
government funding and rely on
the generosity of the community
and corporate sector to further
our Vision to Cure and Mission
to Care.
What are the side-effects of steroids?
The types of side-effects seen with steroids depend on the dose and length of therapy. If
you are taking a high dose for a short time (also called pulsed steroid therapy) you may
notice that your appetite increases; you may be hungrier than usual. Try to eat more fruits
and vegetables and avoid foods high in sugar and salt.
We can help you
Steroids can cause mood changes (e.g., anxiety, increased aggression), depression,
nervousness or mania, and difficulty sleeping. Feelings of hyperactivity and mood changes
can be more apparent with high doses and when alternating between periods on and off
treatment. Letting family members know of these side-effects can help them understand
why a person’s behaviour may change while they are on steroids.
Our range of free services
supports thousands of
Australians, from diagnosis,
through treatment and beyond.
To learn more, please call 1800
620 420 to speak with one of our
Support Services team.
You can help us
There are many ways that you
can help us to improve the
quality of life for people with
blood cancer. From making a
donation, to signing up for an
event; from volunteering, or
joining us as a corporate sponsor
- please call 1800 500 088 or go
to www.leukaemia.org.au to
learn more.
If you have sleeping problems, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about changing the
time of day when you take your steroids. Generally, it is recommended that steroids be
taken early in the morning and that medications, such as sleeping tablets or natural
therapies, are used to help with sleep if needed.
While taking high doses of steroids, it may be important not to make any major life
decisions or spend large amounts of money without taking into consideration that your
choices may be being affected by the medication.
Steroids can cause a rise in blood sugar. While on steroids, diabetics may find they need
more of their diabetes medication, and some people who are not normally diabetic may
require treatment to keep their blood sugar at an acceptable level. It is important to keep
a check on your blood sugar and to keep a diary of these levels and the amount of diabetic
medication being taken. Diabetics will know how to do this. People whose blood sugar only
goes up when they are on steroids will be given information on diet and taught how to
measure their blood sugar levels and adjust their medication. Advice from a dietician also
may be useful.
Steroids may cause stomach irritation or reflux (heartburn) and often medications are
used to prevent or treat these symptoms. As mentioned above, it is helpful to take oral
steroids with food or milk, and an antacid medication also may help relieve these
symptoms.
Last updated: May 2014
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Leukaemia · Lymphoma · Myeloma · Related Blood Disorders | www.leukaemia.org.au
FACT SHEET
Steroids
Page 2
During steroid treatment there is an increased risk of developing an infection. Therefore, it is very important to
report any signs of infection such as a sore throat, a cough, pain, burning when passing urine, or skin sores. A
fever (high body temperature) which is a common sign of infection may not always be present. Steroids may delay
wound healing so if you have a cut or scrape, keep the area clean and covered to prevent infection. While taking
steroids, you should not receive immunisations (live vaccines) without talking to your doctor first.
Fluid retention in the body can lead to weight gain, swelling in the hands and feet, blurred vision and a rise in blood
pressure. Try to avoid excessive salt (sodium) in your diet.
Long-term use of steroids may cause other effects such as fluid retention, weight gain, cataracts, muscle wasting/
weakness and an increased susceptibility to infections. Aching joints (knees and hips) also have been reported.
Prolonged steroid use may lead to softening of the bones (osteoporosis) or destruction of the bones
(osteonecrosis), which may increase the risk of fractures. Muscle cramps can occur for a short time after stopping
steroids.
Many of the side-effects of steroids are temporary and should pass once you finish taking them.
Remember to tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any side-effects you are having while on steroids as they
can help to treat and manage them.
The Leukaemia Foundation publishes the guides: ‘Understanding Myeloma. A guide for patients and families’;
Understanding Autologous Transplants’; and ‘Understanding Allogeneic Transplants’.
It is not the intention of this fact sheet to recommend any particular form of treatment to you. You need to discuss
your particular circumstances at all times with your treating doctor.
For more information, freecall 1800 620 420
email [email protected] or visit www.leukaemia.org.au
Leukaemia · Lymphoma · Myeloma · Related Blood Disorders | www.leukaemia.org.au