Glucocorticoids (GC), more commonly known as steroids, are used to treat many inflammatory diseases. The GC Impact Group studies the good and bad effects of GCs. Side effects, or adverse effects, of GCs are common. Some are easily measured and can usually be controlled such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Some are harder to control such as weight gain, osteoporosis (bone thinning) and cataracts. Effects such as mood and sleep disturbance, easy bruising and body shape changes are harder to measure. Certain effects are ‘events’, which are less common such as infections and fractures, whilst others are common ‘experiences’ that have variable effects such as weight gain, skin changes and sleep disturbance.

Another difficulty is knowing whether it is the GC, another medication used at the same time or the disease being treated leading to these effects is often difficult to work out. It is also not known which effects are most important and concerning to patients.