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Long-term corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsLong-term corticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A 63-year-old man has taken prednisolone 30 mg daily for 5 weeks for polymyalgia symptoms and is now prescribed a reducing regimen. He asks whether he needs any proof of steroid treatment. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: E — Provide steroid counselling and ensure he has a steroid card or equivalent alert

Prolonged systemic corticosteroid treatment can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Patients should receive counselling about not stopping abruptly, taking doses as directed, infection risk, and carrying steroid safety information. Morning dosing is commonly used to reduce adrenal suppression and insomnia.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS; NHS Steroid Emergency Card guidance