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<p>Oral corticosteroids have been used for many years in the treatment of a wide range
of illnesses including allergic and inflammatory diseases, immune reactions and certain
cancers, and for replacement therapy where the body does not produce enough cortisol.</p><p>Corticosteroids
are life-saving medicines but have a wide range of side effects, including psychiatric
side effects. These can include serious effects such as suicidal thoughts, psychotic
reactions and behavioural disturbances. Symptoms typically emerge within a few days
or weeks of starting the treatment. Patients and/or their carers should be warned
by the prescribing physician that potentially severe psychiatric adverse reactions
may occur with oral corticosteroids and encouraged to seek medical advice if any worrying
psychological symptoms develop.</p><p>Other side effects of corticosteroids, particularly
when taken long-term, include increased susceptibility to infection, disturbances
of the nervous system, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, suppression of the adrenal glands,
stomach ulcers and changes to the eye (glaucoma and cataract).</p><p>A detailed list
of the side effects known to occur with corticosteroids is available in the product
information for prescribers (the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information
Leaflet which are produced by the manufacturer and authorised by the Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for each product. Key side effects are
also detailed in the British National Formulary. As with all medicines, the safety
of corticosteroids is kept under review by the MHRA and product information is updated
and warnings issued when necessary.</p>
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