Severe allergic reactions in cats
Steroid injections, inhalers and sprays aren’t thought to pose a risk to babies being breastfed. However, they should be avoided or used with caution if you have an ongoing infection or a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia). Taking prednisolone at higher doses for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers. However, they can also happen with steroids taken at a lower dose for a long time.
You have had an allergic reaction which means that your body’s immune system has had a hypersensitive reaction (overreaction) to a harmless substance called the allergen. You should also avoid close contact with children who have https://mremotorsport.co.uk had the flu vaccine nasal spray if your immune system is severely weakened. Cancer drugs can interact with medicines, herbal products, and some food and drinks. We are unable to list all the possible interactions that may happen.
Main allergy symptoms
Anti-IgE Drugs The IgE antibodies are the most common cause of the immune system reacting to an allergen and initiating an allergic response. New anti-IgE drugs are being developed, which aim to take the IgE antibodies out of circulation. Several studies have been conducted using anti-IgE drugs as an add-on treatment for people with severe allergic asthma. They showed that the anti-IgE medication could allow some people to reduce, and even stop, their inhaled steroid treatments.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of commonly used painkillers.
- Around a quarter of medicines used in pain medicine are unlicensed – this means that the medicine has not been approved by a regulatory body for the purpose for which they are to be used.
- It was caused by Topical Steroid Withdrawal – also known as Red Skin Syndrome – which was triggered when doctors lowered the dosage of the drug.
- The patient may have a late phase reaction, for which the hospital can provide further treatment.
However, a small number of users may experience allergic reactions, which can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated. Older medicines may have been used effectively for many years in children without problems but the manufacturer has not been required to collect data and amend the licence. This does not mean that it is unsafe for children and young people to be prescribed such a medicine ‘off-licence/off-label’.
Raised blood sugar levels
Steroids can affect the speed at which your body breaks down food to get energy from it (your metabolism). This can increase your hunger levels, leading you to eat more and to gain weight. If your metabolism slows down, you might gain weight, even if your appetite doesn’t increase.
Common side effects
We identified 55 reports categorised as ‘probable topical steroid withdrawal reactions’ in the Yellow Card database and a further 62 cases of ‘possible topical steroid withdrawal reactions’. Nasal corticosteroids like Avamys can affect the production of hormones in the body — especially if you use strong doses for a long period of time. Particularly in children, this side effect may cause slower growth or suppression in normal growth.
In the case of eczema, this ‘progression’ is often mistaken for worsening eczema. The information provided to both healthcare professionals and patients should reflect these reactions, especially with respect to eczema and dermatitis. Therefore, a strengthening of the information within the product information is considered appropriate, together with communication and consultation with other bodies. Nosebleeds (known medically as epistaxis) are the most common Avamys side effect, affecting over one in 10 patients.
Your child may become irritable and have mood swings, and even revert to earlier childhood behaviour, such as temper tantrums. While this is usually temporary, your doctor or nurse can offer advice and support.A potential increase in appetite means your child could feel hungrier and may eat more than usual, which can lead to weigh gain. Increased fluid retention can also cause weight gain.Take steroid medicines with meals or after food to reduce stomach irritation.Your child is unlikely to suffer many side effects if given a short course of steroids. Any they do encounter are temporary and will stop when the course is complete.
Materials for healthcare professionals and patients
Taking steroid medication can disrupt this balance and lead to high blood-sugar levels. Usually, this is short-term and the balance is restored once you stop taking steroids. While your blood sugar levels are disrupted, avoid sugary foods and drinks. Skin tests should be deferred to 3-4 weeks after the initial anaphylactic episode to minimise any false negative response due to histamine depletion.
About Topical Corticosteroids
For more information on hay fever and EpiPens you can visit our Allergy Clinic. There are many different ways to treat allergies, and the first step in determining which way is best for you is to see your GP. You will need to go to hospital for observation – usually for 6-12 hours – as the symptoms can occasionally return during this period. Some specialist allergy centres can also offer special treatment to help desensitise you to insect stings (immunotherapy).