Sheet 2 of 3 Ref: 2012F0225 © GOSH NHS Foundation Trust April 2012
What are the less
common side effects?
These side effects tend to occur only after
long-term use or with high doses.
nWeight gain: Your child’s face may
appear more chubby than usual,
particularly after long-term steroid
treatment. If the weight gain has been
considerable, your child may develop
stretch marks, especially on their tummy
and thighs.
nHigh blood pressure: Your child may
complain of having a headache or
feeling dizzy.
nAlteration in blood sugar level: Steroids
may cause a temporary increase in
blood sugar levels. Some signs of a
raised blood sugar level are thirst and
needing to pass more urine than usual.
nEffect on growth and/or thinning of
bones: If taken over a long period of
time or at a high dose, your child’s
growth may be affected and/or your
child’s bones may become thinner.
Your child will be monitored closely
throughout treatment to reduce the
chance of these side effects
Important information
Immunisations
As steroids affect your child’s immune
system, children who are receiving a high
dose of injected or oral steroids should
not be given any ‘live’ vaccines. Because
your child’s immunity may be affected
by steroids, they may be very ill if they
catch one of the diseases that vaccination
prevents so it is important that they are
up to date with the other vaccines. Your
other children should be immunised
according to the usual schedule and
although chicken pox vaccine is not
routinely given to all children, it may
be advised for the siblings or other
close family members of a child who is
receiving high dose steroids. If you have
any questions about immunisations,
please ask your doctor.
Chicken pox
If your child has not had chicken pox
and is in direct contact with a child who
has chicken pox or develops it within
48 hours, you must contact the hospital
immediately. Chicken pox can be more
severe in children who are taking
steroids. A blood test will be arranged to
check your child’s antibodies to chicken
pox. Your child may need an injection to
protect him or her. Your doctor or nurse
will discuss this with you.
If your child has chicken pox, it may be
necessary to stop your child’s steroid doses.
Your doctor will discuss this with you.
Infections
Your child may be at an increased risk
of infection while they are on steroids.
If your child has a fever or becomes
unwell, contact your doctor or nurse.
Check ups
Your child should be monitored closely
while on steroid treatment. This may
include regular measurement of his or
her weight, blood pressure and urine.
This will usually be carried out by
your GP surgery, local hospital or local
community nurses.