A guide to prescribing corticosteroids

Abstract

With the advent of corticosteroids, many patients were given hope for the treatment of various diseases, especially those involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. However, even though, at one time, these drugs appeared to be a miracle cure, corticosteroids have to be prescribed with caution to prevent an array of unwanted side-effects. Pharmacists should work hand in hand with the prescribing doctors in order to maximise the benefit that can be obtained from the use of these drugs, while minimising the risk of side-effects.