Microsoft word - pif 683 - v2 drugs for inflammatory bowel disease _steroids_.doc

Gastroenterology Directorate
Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Steroids

If your Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis) is
‘flaring up’ your doctors may decide to give you drugs called corticosteroids
(usually called ‘steroids’).
What are steroids?
Steroids are drugs that suppress (hold back) inflammation.
Steroids may be used to improve acute attacks and are very effective when used
in short courses, but there is no evidence that they improve the disease control if
taken long-term.
How are steroids given?
Steroids are given in tablet form (usually either prednisolone or budesonide), or
injected into a vein (hydrocortisone).
Do I need to be admitted to hospital for steroids?
If your flare up is severe you may need steroids injected into a vein, in which case
admission to hospital is required. For milder flares, steroids can be taken as
tablets or by enema at home.
Are steroids used in both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Yes. Steroids are used in both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, although
they are more commonly used in Ulcerative Colitis. For Crohn’s disease other
medications such as antibiotics or dietary therapy are often used as an alternative.
What dose of steroids do I take?
If you have a severe flare up and are admitted to hospital, the steroids may be
injected into one of your veins. You will usually receive four infusions of
hydrocortisone (100mgs each dose) per day.
If you are started on steroid tablets called prednisolone the doctors will usually
start you on 40mgs (eight tablets) a day, taken as a single dose in the morning,
and then reduce the dose slowly over the next few weeks.
How long do steroids take to work?
Steroids will usually cause a marked improvement in your symptoms within two to
four weeks.
If you do not notice this expected improvement please contact a member of your
medical team (see contact number listed below). Steroids are given in short
courses (usually two to three months), as their long-term use does not help to
prevent further relapse of the disease (other medications such as mesalazine or
azathioprine are used for this purpose).
Do steroids tablets have any side effects?
Yes. However it must be remembered that these are only possible side effects
that occur in some people. As with all medicines there is a balance between the
risks of side effects against the risk of your disease continuing to be active. Risks
of these complications are usually very small with the relatively short courses of
treatment used in inflammatory bowel disease.
Possible side effects include the following: high blood sugars, eye problems
(glaucoma) and skin changes (bruising), high blood pressure, salt and water
retention, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, and mood swings (in some people
improving their mood, in others worsening or causing depression). If you suffer
from glaucoma, steroids can still be taken, but you may wish to book an eye test
during treatment. If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugars
more frequently while you are taking steroids and during the period after they
have been withdrawn.
Weight gain and increased appetite are common with steroid tablets but your
weight usually returns to normal when the dose is reduced. Sometimes your face
can look ‘puffy’, again this goes when the steroids are reduced and stopped.
Steroid tablets increase the chance of developing infections. In particular, you are
at risk of having a severe form of chickenpox if you have not had chickenpox in
the past (and so are not immune). If you have not had chickenpox in the past,
keep away from people with chickenpox or shingles. Tell a doctor if you come in
contact with a person with these conditions as well as anyone who has measles.
Another infection that can be worsened by steroid tablets is tuberculosis. This can
flare up even if you had the infection many years ago. Tell your doctor if you have
had TB or come into contact with someone with TB.
Long-term or frequent use of steroids can cause osteoporosis (thinning of bones).
To protect your bones you will probably be advised to take calcium and vitamin D
tablets while you are taking steroids. If you have had a few courses of steroids
you might have a bone scan (DEXA scan), which measures the strength of your
bones. In addition, a number of lifestyle changes can also help to maintain healthy
bones, including: stopping smoking, weight bearing exercise (e.g. jogging, brisk
walking) and limiting alcohol intake.

Can I stop my steroid tablets if I feel better?

Do not stop steroid tablets suddenly if you have been on them for more than a few
weeks. You can get serious withdrawal effects once your body is used to the
steroids. These can develop within a few days if you stop steroid tablets suddenly.
The dose of steroid tablets will be reduced slowly over a number of weeks, to
allow your body to start making its own natural steroids.
Because you need more steroids in your body when you have physical stress, the
dose of steroid tablets may need to be increased for a short time if you are ill with
other conditions (e.g. for surgery or if you have a serious infection). You will be
given a steroid card with your dispensed steroid medication. It is vital that you
carry this around with you at all times and show to anyone who treats you (e.g.
doctor, nurse, dentist).

Do I continue to take my usual medication for my bowel disease?
Usual medication should be continued, if in doubt ask your doctor or inflammatory
bowel specialist nurse.
Can I have immunisations whilst on steroids?
Immunisations with live vaccines should be avoided whilst on higher doses of
prednisolone. However vaccination with inactivated vaccines (which includes ‘flu
virus vaccine) are safe.
Can I drink alcohol while on steroids?
There is no reason to avoid alcohol (in moderation as per national guidelines)
while on steroids.
Do steroids affect fertility and pregnancy?
Steroids do not affect fertility and can be safely taken in pregnancy but if taken
towards the end of pregnancy it is important that your obstetrician is informed, as
your baby might need to receive steroids for a short period after birth. If you are
breast-feeding ask your doctor or inflammatory bowel specialist nurse if you can
continue to breastfeed while taking steroids as it may depend on the dose of
steroid you are taking.
Where can I obtain further information about steroids?
If you have any questions about steroids, ask you doctor, your inflammatory bowel
specialist nurse or your pharmacist.
Further Information:
Authors: Gastroenterology Directorate
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Date: May 2006
Specialist Nurses
Review Date: May 2008
Tel: 0151 706 2659
NHS Direct 0845 4647

This leaflet is available in large print, computer disc, Braille and
audiocassette. Other languages are available on request.

Source: http://www.liverpoolgastroenterology.nhs.uk/Library/patientinformation/PIF_GI_DISEASE/PIF%20683%20-%20V2%20Drugs%20for%20Inflammatory%20Bowel%20Disease%20_Steroids_.pdf