I have been prescribed

steroids (prednisolone, Dexamethasone)

1. Steroids are prescribed to reduce inflammtion. This may be to reduce damage to an organ or to limit inflammation causing hormonal excess or drop. A typical prescription will be for inflammatory thyroiditis. It is prescribed for a number of conditions
2. How long should I take it for?. IT depends on the condition you are prescribed steroids for. Please ask your doctor how long it should be for?
3. Can I stop it suddenly?  Short courses can be stopped abruptly, but longer courses ( 3 -4 weeks ) are best tapered down
4. What about side effects?
   

   Common or very common

   Anxiety; behaviour abnormal; cataract subcapsular; cognitive impairment; Cushing’s syndrome; electrolyte imbalance; fatigue; fluid retention; gastrointestinal discomfort; headache; healing impaired; hirsutism; hypertension; increased risk of infection; menstrual cycle irregularities; mood altered; nausea; osteoporosis; peptic ulcer; psychotic disorder; skin reactions; sleep disorders; weight increased

   Uncommon

   Adrenal suppression; alkalosis hypokalaemic; appetite increased; bone fractures; diabetic control impaired; eye disorders; glaucoma; haemorrhage; heart failure; hyperhidrosis; leucocytosis; myopathy; osteonecrosis; pancreatitis; papilloedema; seizure; thromboembolism; tuberculosis reactivation; vertigo; vision blurred

   Rare or very rare

   Malaise; tendon rupture

Please discuss with your doctor if you have concerns

Carbimazole

1. Why am I prescribed this medication?
   1. This is usually prescribed to block your thyroid and is given in hyperthyroidism. The dose depends on how severe the illness is and can vary from 5 mg to 40 mg
2. When should I take it?
   1. It is best taken twice a day, but you could take it in the mornign after food.
3. How long do I take this for?
   1. Usually taken for 6 months to 2 years. This will reduce the activity of the thyroid and help resolve immune thyroid disease (overactive Thyroid only)
4. Side effects
   

   Rare or very rare

   Bone marrow disorders; haemolytic anaemia; severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs); thrombocytopenia

   Frequency not known

   Agranulocytosis; alopecia; angioedema; dyspepsia; eosinophilia; fever; gastrointestinal disorder; generalised lymphadenopathy; haemorrhage; headache; hepatic disorders; insulin autoimmune syndrome; leucopenia; malaise; myopathy; nausea; nerve disorders; neutropenia; pancreatitis acute (discontinue permanently); salivary gland enlargement; skin reactions; taste loss

   If you have a sore throat or persistant fatigue/ infection, you need to stop the tablet and have a blood test for white cells…

Propylthiouracil

This medication is given if you have an allerguy to Carbimazole of if you are planning pregnancy.

Side effects

There can be isues relating to the liver in addition to agranulocytosis and allergies