How safe are prescribed steroids ?
– Steroids are a very useful tool for use in rheumatological situations. However like all drugs they have side effects. The aim of your doctor is to use them to their maximum benefit and if long term treatment is required to either replace them with another ‘disease modifying agent’ and/or to keep the steroid dose low to minimize their long term side effects. We are well aware of their potential to cause osteoporosis for instance and your doctor will often prescribe bone protection at the same time. back to top Q:- I have been advised to take 400mgms of Vitamin E daily and have recently read articles about this dose being dangerous for elderly people. Some have died by taking this dose. I am in my late 70’s and want to know how safe this dose is. A:- The studies you recall involved a very small group of patients and many had coexistent diseases to account for the increased mortality rate. We recommend about 200-400mgms daily.
