How are corticosteroids used?

Corticosteroid medicines are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, allergies and many other conditions. They also are used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. They do that by helping to suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids also treat Addison's disease. This is a rare disease that occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough of the corticosteroid that the body needs.

Corticosteroids are given in many different ways, depending on the condition being treated:

• By mouth. Tablets, capsules or syrups help treat the inflammation and pain associated with certain chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• By inhaler and intranasal spray. These forms help control inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies.
• In the form of eye drops. This form helps treat swelling after eye surgery.
• Topically. Creams and ointments can help heal many skin conditions.
• By injection. This form is often used to treat muscle and joint symptoms, such as the pain and inflammation of tendinitis.