Steroids can be taken in a number of ways for many different types of arthritis and related conditions, as shown in the table below. Steroids are usually only given for a short time to quickly treat flare-ups of your condition. This page is about steroids that can be taken as tablets, liquids, creams and eye drops and ointments.
Information about steroid injections is covered on a different page. You might not be able to start steroids if you have an infection, or if you have any wounds on your body, as steroids might delay these getting better or cover up some of your symptoms. Steroids might affect some medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems, or mental health issues. If you have systemic sclerosis , prednisolone could cause problems with your kidneys at certain doses, so you might not be able to take this type of steroid.
Some other skin problems, such as rosacea, acne and ulcers, can be made worse by steroid creams so you might not be able to take them if you have any of these conditions.
If you normally wear contact lenses, you might need to avoid wearing these while having treatment with steroid eye drops. Steroids are taken in different ways, and the dosage may vary depending on the condition you have.
The table below gives an idea of how often you might need to take steroids. You will be given the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time, to reduce the risk of side effects. Your dose will probably be reduced gradually as your symptoms improve, or your doctor might suggest a weaker medication. As with all medicines, some people will have side effects.
You might also be given a drug called a proton pump inhibitor or another medicine to protect your stomach. Treatment with steroids may cause changes in mood — you may feel very high or very low.
This may be more common in people with a previous history of mood disturbance. Taking steroid tablets for a long time can make you more likely to get infections. See your doctor or the person treating you straight away if you develop chickenpox, shingles or measles, or if you come into contact with someone who has any of these illnesses.
Sometimes these diseases can be severe in people who are taking steroids, and you might need to have other treatment before you start to get better. Steroids taken for a long time can also cause your muscles to become weaker, and they might occasionally affect periods in women.
If you're taking high doses of steroids, or if you're on them for more than three weeks, you'll need to carry a steroid card. Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs that speed up the workings of the brain. Benzodiazepines tranquillisers are highly addictive and should only be used for certain conditions in a short-term or emergency situation.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Drugs. Anabolic steroids. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What are anabolic steroids?
Who uses anabolic steroids? How anabolic steroids work How anabolic steroids affect the body Side effects of anabolic steroids Long-term effects of anabolic steroids Mixing anabolic steroids with other drugs Dependence on anabolic steroids Withdrawal from anabolic steroids Treatment for anabolic steroid addiction Anabolic steroid use and the law Where to get help.
Common slang terms for steroids include 'roids', 'gear' and 'juice'. Other groups who typically use them include: Professional athletes and bodybuilders who are involved in competitive sport or who have a strong desire to succeed. People who work in industries where muscle strength is important — such as security workers, police, construction workers and defence force staff.
Young people and adults who are concerned about their body image and want to look muscular to feel good. Corticosteroids are administered in many different ways, depending on the condition being treated:. Corticosteroids carry a risk of side effects, some of which can cause serious health problems.
When you know what side effects are possible, you can take steps to control their impact. Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of just a particular area, this route of administration is the most likely to cause significant side effects.
Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include:. When using an inhaled corticosteroid, some of the drug may deposit in your mouth and throat instead of making it to your lungs. This can cause:. If you gargle and rinse your mouth with water — don't swallow — after each puff on your corticosteroid inhaler, you may be able to avoid mouth and throat irritation.
Some researchers have speculated that inhaled corticosteroid drugs may slow growth rates in children who use them for asthma. Injected corticosteroids can cause temporary side effects near the site of the injection, including skin thinning, loss of color in the skin, and intense pain — also known as post-injection flare.
Other signs and symptoms may include facial flushing, insomnia and high blood sugar. Doctors usually limit corticosteroid injections to three or four a year, depending on each patient's situation.
Corticosteroids may cause a range of side effects. But they may also relieve the inflammation, pain and discomfort of many different diseases and conditions.
Talk with your doctor to help you better understand the risks and benefits of corticosteroids and make informed choices about your health. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. For the most part, steroidal supplements, which used to be found at health food stores or gyms, are now illegal and require a prescription.
DHEA is one of the few exceptions and can still be bought over the counter. Steroid supplements are weaker forms of androgen. Their effects aren't well known, but it's thought that, when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to other androgens like testosterone. But research studies suggest that they do very little or nothing to improve athletic performance.
Here's what is known about steroidal supplements: Companies that make them often use false claims, and very little is known about the long-term effects some of these substances have on the body. That's one reason why the government took action to protect citizens by passing laws controlling steroid distribution.
Anabolic steroids stimulate muscle tissue to grow and "bulk up" in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year. Steroids have become popular because they may improve endurance, strength, and muscle mass. However, research has not shown that steroids improve skill, agility, or athletic performance.
Steroids can also have serious psychological side effects.
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