Monitoring Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Question 1

What should be checked at baseline before commencing long term oral corticosteroids?

Answer 1

Blood pressure
Body weight
Height
HbA1C, triglycerides and potassium
Optometrist assessment for glaucoma and cataract

Question 2

How often should triglycerides and potassium be checked for those taking oral prednisolone?

Answer 2

1 month after initiating then every 6-12 months thereafter

Question 3

How often should Hb1AC be checked for those taking oral prednisolone?

Answer 3

1 month then every 3 months thereafter

Question 4

What bone disorder may need to be checked if a patient is on long term prednisolone?

Answer 4

Osteoporosis by DEXA scan

Question 5

What should children prescribed prednisolone be monitored for?

Answer 5

Growth suppression

Question 6

For those taking long term prednisolone what should they be monitored for - especially children?

Answer 6

Adrenal insufficiency

Question 7

Who should be monitored if taking ICS?

Answer 7

Children

Question 8

Patient carer advice for NSAIDS?

Answer 8

Topical application:-
Wash hands
Photosensitisation

Question 9

Patient/Carer advice for Prednisolone?

Answer 9

Steroid card for those on long term use
Risk of adrenal suppression if treatment for longer than 3 weeks
A.S can last for a year or more after stopping
Mention use of corticosteroid when being treated for illness or injury
Mood changes in high doses
Serious GI, Musculoskeletal and ophthalmic effects can occur

Question 10

Patient/Carer advice for aspirin?

Answer 10

Increased risk of bleeding/bruising