Less frequently they cause stomach or duodenal ulcers. This automatic regulation is lost when we take steroid treatment, and so it is vital, in order to cover unforeseen emergencies, to carry a card or wear a bracelet stating that the bearer is on steroid treatment and giving the current dose and the phone number of a reliable hospital or general practice contact. There is an increased chance of developing cataracts in the lenses of the eyes when taking sterods and unfortunately there seems to be no way of avoiding this. This is a pretty frightening list and there are other, rarer, complications of steroid therapy which I have not described. However, I should like to re-emphasise three points I have made already.
Alternate day dosing reduces the incidence and severity of unwanted effects.
For most of us, the benefits of steroid treatment far outweigh its risks. All other enquiries should be directed to the MGA headquarters .