Steroids are the normal body hormones regulating its metabolism. When given from outside, they suppress our own bodily production of steroids. Hence steroids should never be stopped abruptly but always `tapered' by your doctor so that the suppression of internal steroids is gradually overcome.
Oral/systemic steroid therapy may cause certain side effects which are usually unavoidable. One need not always worry about them since most of the side effects reverse on stoppage of therapy.
To minimize the side effects one should take following precautions and care :
1. Corticosteroids may cause gastric (stomach) irritation, symptoms of acidity, abdominal discomfort. Rarely, it may cause precipitation of peptic ulcer disease or bleeding from pre-existing ulcer. To minimize these side effects, never take steroids on an empty stomach. You need to take antacid tablets or gel along with the steroids. Avoid spicy foods. Milk is usually helpful. Black stools indicate gastric or intestinal bleeding for which you should contact the doctor.
2. Steroids usually cause weight gain and puffiness of face on prolonged therapy. Regulate your caloric intake. Keep a weekly record of your weight. On stoppage of therapy, swelling and weight gradually returns to normal.
3. Steroids may aggravate or precipitate hypertension (High BP) and Diabetes (high blood sugar). Get your BP and Blood sugar checked weekly if you are already hypertensive or diabetic. Restrict your salt and sugar intake while on steroid therapy. You may need to contact your physician and make him aware of your steroid intake so that he might regulate your dosage of antihypertensive and anti-diabetic therapy especially if steroid therapy is to be given for a long period.