Examples
| dexamethasone |
Dexamethasone Intensol |
| hydrocortisone |
Cortef |
| methylprednisolone |
Medrol |
| prednisolone |
Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone |
| prednisone |
Prednisone Intensol |
How It Works
Corticosteroids are strong
anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to reduce swelling that causes
cancer pain.
Corticosteroids are
available as pills, syrups, injections, and intravenous (IV) solutions. The
type and extent of a disease determines the exact dose and schedule of
administering these drugs.
Why It Is Used
Corticosteroids reduce swelling
and inflammation that may cause cancer pain. They are used with other drugs, such as
ondansetron and aprepitant, to control and prevent nausea and vomiting caused
by
chemotherapy.
How Well It Works
Corticosteroids work well to reduce
swelling and pain caused by cancer.1 When they are
used with other drugs, such as ondansetron and aprepitant, they may control and
prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Side effects are common with steroids and
can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or
ulcers. To reduce these side effects, take your pills
with a full glass of fluid and a small snack.
- Fluid retention,
causing swelling of the hands and feet.
- Increased
appetite.
- Increased risk of infection.
- Preexisting
diabetes getting worse.
- Menstrual period
changes.
- Changes in behavior, such as symptoms of paranoia or
psychosis.
- Muscle wasting. You may notice
that it is difficult to climb stairs or rise from sitting to standing without
assistance.
Some problems may occur with long-term use. These
include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
During treatment with
corticosteroids, do not take any other prescription or nonprescription
medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.
Many other drugs can interact with corticosteroids, resulting in side effects
or changes in how well the drugs work.
Do not stop taking
corticosteroids suddenly. Withdrawal effects can occur. So it is very important
to take the prescribed dose at the times recommended by your doctor. You will
be given instructions on how to reduce (taper) your dose gradually at the end
of your treatment. Have your doctor write these instructions out for you. If
you have any questions about how to taper your dose, call your doctor. Tapering
is usually only needed if you use corticosteroids for a long time. It may
not be needed if you use the steroids only for short periods.
Dexamethasone, if given too rapidly by IV, may cause temporary itching or
burning in the vaginal or rectal area. This goes away after a few
minutes.
To minimize side effects of oral corticosteroids, take
your pills with a full glass of liquid and a small snack.
Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits to
the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. If you are or may be pregnant, talk
to your doctor before using corticosteroids. This drug can pass through your
body into breast milk and should not be used while you are breast-feeding.
Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently, and keep
them away from your mouth and eyes. Your
immune system may be weakened while you are taking
corticosteroids.
Steroids used to treat cancer and cancer pain are
not the same as steroids used by body builders (anabolic steroids).
Do not use alcohol or street drugs while you are taking corticosteroids.
Tell your doctor if you need more pain relief.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Foley KM, Abernathy A (2008). Management of cancer pain. In VT DeVita Jr et al., eds., DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2757–2790. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology |
|
Last Revised
|
October 28, 2011 |
Foley KM, Abernathy A (2008). Management of cancer pain. In VT DeVita Jr et al., eds., DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2757–2790. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.