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PATIENT INFORMATION

Steroids

If you take steroid tablets or injections regularly, tell the anaesthesia team how much you take and for how long you have taken them.

Why steroids matter

The body normally produces extra natural steroid hormone during the stress of surgery or illness. Long-term steroid treatment can reduce the body’s own ability to do this. Some patients therefore need an individual perioperative steroid plan, which may include extra steroid doses around surgery.

Types of steroid to mention

  • Steroid tablets, such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone or hydrocortisone
  • Steroid injections, including joint injections in recent months
  • High-dose steroid inhalers or nasal sprays
  • Strong steroid creams used over large areas
  • Steroid courses you have finished within the past year

What to bring

  • Your steroid name, dose and how long you have taken it
  • A steroid emergency card or alert card, if you have one
  • Details of the condition the steroid treats

Contact the hospital before surgery if

You develop vomiting and cannot keep your steroid tablets down, or feel unusually weak, dizzy or unwell.

Do not abruptly stop long-term steroid treatment unless your treating clinician has told you to do so.