Corticosteroids overdose: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now for:

   • A seizure, collapse, or inability to wake
   • Trouble breathing or severe weakness
   • Severe confusion, hallucinations, or unsafe behaviour
   • Fainting or signs of very low blood pressure
   • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools
   • Repeated vomiting with severe weakness after stopping steroids

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Call a poison information service promptly after a suspected overdose, even if there are no symptoms.

   Have the medicine name, strength, estimated amount, time taken, age, weight, symptoms, and other medicines available if possible.

   Seek same-day medical advice for persistent vomiting, marked swelling, worsening weakness, unusual mood changes, very high home blood sugar readings, or signs of infection.

   Also get advice before changing or stopping a steroid that has been used regularly.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Corticosteroids overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.