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Corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardEndocrine TherapeuticsCorticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A 56-year-old man has prednisolone 40mg daily for three weeks for polymyalgia symptoms while awaiting rheumatology review. He also uses inhaled fluticasone and has type 2 diabetes. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: D — He may need a steroid card and should monitor for hyperglycaemia symptoms

Systemic corticosteroids for several weeks can suppress the adrenal axis and may require steroid card counselling. Prednisolone can worsen glycaemic control, particularly in people with diabetes. Abrupt cessation after longer or higher-dose courses may be unsafe and should follow prescriber advice. Concurrent inhaled corticosteroid exposure can add to systemic steroid burden rather than protect against it.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Corticosteroids