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Steroids
Also called: Corticosteroids, Glucocorticoids
You may have heard about anabolic steroids, which can have harmful effects. But there's another type of steroid - sometimes called a corticosteroid - that treats a variety of problems. These steroids are similar to hormones that your adrenal glands produce to fight stress associated with illnesses and injuries. They reduce inflammation and affect the immune system.
You may need to take corticosteroids to treat
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis
- Skin conditions such as eczema and rashes
- Some kinds of cancer
Steroids are strong medicines, and they can have side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Because of this, you usually take them for as short a period as possible.
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Start Here
- Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids: Balance the Risks and Benefits(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Overviews
- About Steroids (Inhaled and Oral Corticosteroids)(National Jewish Health)
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Latest News
- Steroid Shots for Tennis Elbow May Hurt, Not Help(02/05/2013, Reuters Health)
- Steroid Injections for Back Pain May Lower Bone Mass(12/03/2012, HealthDay)
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Specific Conditions
- Anti-Inflammatories and Corticosteroids(American Association for Respiratory Care)
- Corticosteroids(Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
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Corticosteroids(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
- Cortisone Shots(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Epidural Steroid Injections(North American Spine Society)
- Inhaled Steroid Drugs(Consumers Union of U.S.)
- Also available in Spanish
- Inhaled Steroids(National Jewish Health)
- Oral Steroids (Steroid Pills and Syrups)(National Jewish Health)
- Treating Eczema with Steroids(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Related Issues
- Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis(American College of Rheumatology)
- Also available in Spanish
- Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis(Hormone Health Network) - PDF
- How to Stop Steroid Medicines Safely(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
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Pictures & Photographs
- Prednisone [Possible Side Effects](Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Adrenal Cortex Hormones(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Glucocorticoids(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Prednisone(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Adrenal Cortex Hormones
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Children
- Corticosteroids(American Academy of Pediatrics)
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