Major side effects of systemic glucocorticoids

● General treatment considerations and monitoring – We try to limit the adverse

effects of glucocorticoids by taking the following steps (see 'General treatment
considerations and monitoring' above):

• Use of the lowest dose of glucocorticoids for the shortest period of time needed to
achieve the treatment goals
• Management of preexisting comorbid conditions that may increase risk when
glucocorticoids are required
• Monitoring of patients under treatment for adverse effects who may benefit from
additional intervention

Additional considerations prior to longer-term therapy with systemic glucocorticoids

include addressing appropriate immunization requirements, prevention of
opportunistic infections, and prevention of osteoporosis. (See 'Immunization
requirements' above and 'Prevention of opportunistic infection' above and
'Prevention of osteoporosis' above.)

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