Why have I been given this card?
You have been given the NHS Steroid Emergency Card as you are prescribed steroid treatment (this may be tablets/creams/inhalers/injections/nasal sprays) for longer than four weeks or having repeated short courses. It is important that any healthcare professional who treats you knows about your steroid treatment.
You should not stop your steroid treatment suddenly, as you may feel very unwell if this happens. You could have weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling or being sick, poor appetite, weight loss and stomach pain.
What do I need to do?
You must complete the card with your own details. Keep it safe in your purse or wallet. Have it ready to show any healthcare professional you see.
Please let your family know that you carry a NHS Steroid Emergency Card. Ask them to remind you to show your card at every chance when getting treatment. This is very important if you need emergency treatment, they can tell the emergency services for you.
Do I still need to keep the blue steroid treatment card too?
Yes, you will need to keep both, however this new NHS Steroid Emergency Card is very important. Also still wear your medic alert bracelet or necklace if you have one.
I have lost my new card, where can I get another one from?
New or replacement NHS Steroid Emergency Cards can be obtained from your GP practice, community pharmacy or hospital. You can have more than one card if you would like to store them in different places. Please make sure the details on both cards are the same.
You can also screen shot the NHS Steroid Emergency Card and save your card. Then you can have it as screen saver on your smart phone. See further advice on how do this at: https://www.addisonsdisease.org.uk/news/new-nhs-steroid-card-released
How do I report side effects?
If you experience any side effects please discuss with your healthcare professional, you can report side effects yourself via the MHRA website https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or your healthcare professional can do this for you.
Who can I ask if I have any questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. You can ask to speak to someone while you are in hospital, or if you have questions after you go home you can call the ward you were discharged from via the hospital switchboard and ask for the nurse in charge.