Corticosteroids prescriptions available online

If you're taking oral steroids, take your medicine with food to prevent nausea. If you experience upset stomach or abdominal pain, talk to your doctor. Extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole.

If you're using steroid injections, topical skin creams, or inhaled steroids, always follow your doctor's instructions when taking your medication.

If you miss a dose of your corticosteroid medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.

To make sure corticosteroid therapy is safe for you, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking corticosteroids:

• Liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or thyroid problems

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)

• Glaucoma or cataracts

• Any kind of infection (viral, fungal, bacterial)

• HIV or AIDs

• Herpes simplex virus

• Tuberculosis

• Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ulcers

Most oral corticosteroids start working quickly, typically within one to four days, when the prescribed dose is adequate to reduce your inflammation. When taking oral corticosteroids, some people notice the effects hours after their first dose.

Avoid taking oral corticosteroids if you have a fungal infection that requires oral antifungals. Topical antifungal medicine may not be an issue, but always let your healthcare team know about other medicines you're taking before starting steroid therapy.

Steroids can weaken your immune system, which can lead to an increased risk of infection. Avoid spending time near people who are sick or have infections. Do not receive "live" vaccines while using corticosteroids.

Do not stop taking corticosteroids suddenly. If your symptoms improve, follow your doctor's advice about tapering your dose.

Long-term treatment with steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke cigarettes, do not exercise, or have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about your risk of side effects when taking corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Steroids can treat a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, uncontrolled asthma, and dermatitis.

Steroids work quickly and effectively, which can help stop disease flare-ups. The chronic use of steroids isn't recommended due to serious health risks. However, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid for a few weeks or months in combination with another medication.

The best-known steroids are prednisone and methylprednisolone. These steroids are effective for reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and corticosteroid adverse effects to choose the best medication for your condition.

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions. Steroids are a man-made version of natural steroid hormones, which are produced by the adrenal glands.

Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, while steroids promote additional muscle growth. Corticosteroid medicine mimics the effects of cortisol, a natural hormone in the body, while anabolic steroids mimic testosterone.