Glucocorticoid prescribing in neurology

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are commonly used for neurological disorders, but they can have significant adverse effects, including adrenal insufficiency, hyperglycaemia, osteoporosis and increased infection risk. Long-term use of corticosteroids requires the prescriber to plan risk mitigation, including monitoring and often coprescribing. This article highlights the potential risks of corticosteroid prescribing and draws together up-to-date guidance with multispecialty input to clarify ways of reducing those risks. We discuss home blood glucose monitoring and consider a steroid safety checklist to promote safer steroid prescribing.