Even short term use of oral steroids (less than 30 days) linked to increased risk of severe infection (sepsis), blood clots and fracture
One in five American adults in a commercially insured plan were given prescriptions for short term use of oral corticosteroids during a three year period, with an associated increased risk of adverse events. Of 1.5 million adults, 21% received at least 1 prescription for oral corticosteroids over 3 period. The most common indications for use were: - upper respiratory tract infections - spinal conditions - allergies. Within 30 days of drug initiation, there was an increase in rates of: - sepsis - venous thromboembolism - fracture Risk over the subsequent 31–90 days. The increased risk persisted at prednisone equivalent doses of less than 20 mg/day. References: Short Term Use of Oral Corticosteroids and Related Harms http://buff.ly/2pI5qDY