Steroids (also known as corticosteroids) are substances made naturally in the body. They can also be produced artificially and used to reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and/or pain). The most commonly prescribed steroid for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas is prednisolone.
Having steroids
You may be given steroids with chemotherapy to increase the effect of the chemotherapy, help destroy the lymphoma, and treat any nausea or vomiting caused by the chemotherapy. Steroids are usually taken as tablets, but can also be given into a vein (intravenously).
Side effects of steroids
Steroid therapy can cause various side effects, which depend on the dose prescribed and how long you take steroids. Most side effects gradually go away after you stop taking the medicine.
When taken for a short period of time, steroids may increase your appetite, make you feel restless, make it harder to sleep or stay asleep (insomnia), and cause weight gain and mood changes. If you need to take steroids for several months, you may have a build-up of fluid in the body (known as fluid retention), high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes in some people). There is an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers, so your doctor may prescribe a drug to help prevent ulcers while you are on steroid therapy. You may also be more likely to get infections (see Taking care with infections).
Your treatment team can help you manage or reduce side effects, especially if they are causing you discomfort.
→ READ MORE: Targeted therapy for lymphoma
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Dr Ian Bilmon, Haematologist, Westmead Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital, NSW; Suzanne Basha, Consumer; Jo Cryer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, St George Hospital, NSW; Jessica Elliott, Senior Social Worker, Youth Cancer Services, Crown Princess Mary Centre Westmead, NSW; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Haematologist, Concord and Macquarie University Hospitals, NSW; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Melanoma Institute Australia, GenesisCare, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Karen Maddock, CAR T Cell and Cell Therapy Nurse Practitioner, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jenn Partenfelder, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Elise Toyer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, Blacktown Hospital, NSW.
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