Patients should be warned specifically about this and about the urgent need to seek medical advice if they have not had chickenpox and have been in contact with someone suffering from chickenpox or shingles. Pharmacists dispensing systemic corticosteroids should check that the patient has been given a Steroid Treatment Card and, if not, issue one if they consider it appropriate. They should inform the prescribing doctor that they have done so. Patient information leaflets Patient Information Leaflets are distinct from the Steroid Treatment Card. A leaflet should be provided whenever a systemic corticosteroid is dispensed by a pharmacist and is another important way of providing information to patients.
Spare leaflets are available from manufacturers for products dispensed from bulk supply.
Doctors and pharmacists should advise patients to read the Patient Information Leaflet and to keep it for future reference.