Your body naturally makes small amounts of steroid hormones. They help control your blood pressure, immune system, and swelling. During treatment, you may be given medications called corticosteroids. These are man made versions of natural steroid. Common examples are prednisolone and dexamethasone. They can be given as a tablet or intravenously (IV).
How steroids help with treatment
Steroids are often given with chemotherapy to help make it work better. They can also kill some cancer cells and help with treatment side effects. They can prevent and treat:
- nausea and/or vomiting
- allergic reactions to some medications
- pain and swelling.
They can also improve your appetite. After a donor bone marrow transplant, they can help reduce the immune response.
Side effects of steroids
Steroids can affect your hormones, which can cause a range of side effects such as:
- increased energy levels
- difficulty sleeping
- mood and behaviour changes, like feeling annoyed or aggressive
- increased risk of infection
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- fluid build up
- upset stomach, like indigestion or heartburn
- high blood sugar levels, if you are diabetic.
There are other side effects, but many are from taking steroids long term.
To manage side effects:
- take the steroids as prescribed, in the morning with food.
- record mood changes, let family and friends know how you are feeling.
- do regular exercise and mindful activities.
- avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
- eat nutritious food, you can find information on our nutrition and blood cancer webpage.
- check blood sugar levels regularly and discuss high levels with your doctor.
Discuss any side effects and how to manage them with your treatment team.
Don’t stop taking your steroids unless you are told to by your treatment team.
