Guide to oral steroids and multiple sclerosis relapses
Fact-checked by Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can sometimes mean dealing with relapses, when new or worsening symptoms appear. To help shorten these flare-ups and make them less intense, doctors often prescribe steroids.
Research shows that for many people, taking steroids by mouth can work just as well as getting them through an intravenous (IV) line. Learning more about their potential benefits and risks can help you and your care team make the best decisions for your health.
The importance of steroids in MS
Steroids help manage MS relapses by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. They calm the immune response and decrease swelling around the nerves affected by MS, helping to restore their function after a relapse.
While steroids do not change the long-term course of MS or prevent future relapses, they can reduce the impact of a flare and help you recover faster.
Oral versus intravenous steroids
MS relapses can be treated with either intravenous or oral steroids. Your doctor will decide which medication type is more appropriate for you.
While a medical facility administers intravenous steroids over the course of several days, you can take oral steroids daily at home, usually for a longer period.
The benefits of oral steroids
While your provider will ultimately decide whether oral or intravenous steroids will be more appropriate, oral steroids have certain advantages:
- They offer more convenience because you can take them at home.
- They provide better accessibility, especially if you live far from hospitals or infusion facilities.
- They achieve similar outcomes for treating relapses.
- They can be more affordable by eliminating extra travel expenses and clinic fees.
The risks of steroids
Although both oral and intravenous steroids tend to be well tolerated for relapse treatment, they can have side effects, which are usually temporary. These include:
- a jittery feeling that may cause sleeping issues
- a metallic taste in the mouth
- stomach or digestive upset
- feeling hungrier than usual
- redness of the face
- temporary weight gain
- breakouts or pimples
- headaches
- shifts in mood
- lower resistance to infections
What else to keep in mind
Following your prescription closely and taking a few key precautions will help you get the full benefits of your steroid treatment.
Consider these practical tips when taking steroid pills:
- Set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping a dose.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day to help prevent headaches.
- Avoid alcohol to sleep better at night and feel more rested.
- Balance your energy levels by weaving breaks into your day.
- Keep a journal of symptoms and potential side effects.
Be sure to communicate openly with your care team about how you feel, as sharing potential issues early allows them to support you better and faster.
Final thoughts on oral steroids for MS
Oral steroids can be a convenient option for managing MS flare-ups.
Though they do not change the long-term course of the disease, they can decrease inflammation and help you recover faster from relapses.
Understanding their role, benefits, and side effects can help you and your care team make informed choices about your health.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
