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Steroid emergency card — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsSteroid emergency cardGPhC CRA

A patient taking prednisolone 10 mg daily for inflammatory bowel disease asks why the hospital supplied a steroid emergency card. He has been on treatment for three months. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Carry the card because long-term steroids can suppress adrenal response during illness or procedures

Prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. A steroid emergency card alerts healthcare professionals that steroid cover may be needed during acute illness, surgery or trauma. Patients should not stop long-term steroids abruptly.

Reference: BNF; MHRA Drug Safety Update