What are steroids?
Steroids play an essential role in managing some blood cancers and blood conditions. These medications are man-made versions of substances our bodies naturally produce. They help control essential functions like blood pressure, inflammation, metabolism, and immune responses.
The steroids used in cancer care are usually corticosteroids, which mimic the steroids made by our adrenal glands. Examples include dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone. They may be prescribed alongside other cancer treatments or on their own.
How steroids can help
Steroids have several benefits in cancer treatment:
- Directly kill cancer cells and make other treatments more effective
- Reduce inflammation and help prevent allergic reactions to certain chemotherapy drugs
- Help to prevent complications after a stem cell transplant by reducing the body’s immune response
- Improve appetite and help ease nausea and vomiting caused by treatment
Side effects
While steroids are an important part of treatment, they can cause temporary side effects that usually improve once treatment ends. Everyone's experience is different, and side effects can vary depending on other treatments being received.
Common side effects:
- Stomach discomfort such as indigestion or heartburn (can often be eased by taking steroids with food or milk)
- Raised blood sugar levels (regular monitoring is important, especially for those with diabetes)
- High doses or long-term use can suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk (try to avoid people who are unwell and practise good hand hygiene)
Other side effects may include:
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Swelling in the feet, legs, or abdomen
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling anxious, restless, or having difficulty concentrating
- Changes to skin, hair, or face (more body hair, thinning scalp hair, rashes, or facial puffiness)
- Muscle weakness, fatigue, and vision changes
If you're worried about any side effects, speak to your medical team. They may be able to adjust the dose or timing of your steroids.
Important safety considerations
Always follow your medical team's instructions carefully.
- Taking high doses of steroids stops your body from making its own supply, so it's dangerous to stop suddenly
- If you've been taking steroids for more than three weeks, your dose must be reduced gradually under medical supervision to avoid serious complications
- Steroids can interact with other medications, supplements, and certain foods and drinks
- Always tell your medical team about anything else you're taking, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, along with any allergies or existing health conditions
For more information, see the Steroids and Cancer Treatment factsheet on the Blood Cancer NZ website.
