Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) for cancer and cancer pain

How It Works

Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to reduce swelling that causes cancer pain.

Corticosteroids are available as pills, syrups, injections, and intravenous (IV) solutions. The type and extent of a disease determines the exact dose and schedule of administering these drugs.

Why It Is Used

Corticosteroids reduce swelling (inflammation) that causes cancer pain. They are used with other drugs, such as ondansetron and aprepitant, to control and prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

How Well It Works

Corticosteroids work well to reduce swelling and pain caused by cancer. ¹ When they are used with other drugs, such as ondansetron and aprepitant, they may control and prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. ²

Side Effects

Side effects are common with steroids and can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or ulcers. To reduce these side effects, take your pills with a full glass of fluid and a small snack.
• Fluid retention, causing swelling of the hands and feet.
• Increased appetite.
• Increased risk of infection.
• Preexisting diabetes getting worse.
• Menstrual period changes.
• Changes in behavior, such as symptoms of paranoia or psychosis.
• Muscle wasting. You may notice that it is difficult to climb stairs or rise from sitting to standing without assistance.

Some problems may occur with long-term use. These include:

• Osteoporosis.
• Cataract formation.
• High blood pressure.
• Development of diabetes.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

During treatment with corticosteroids, do not take any other prescription or nonprescription medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor. Many other drugs can interact with corticosteroids, resulting in side effects or changes in how well the drugs work.

Do not stop taking corticosteroids suddenly. Withdrawal effects can occur, so it is very important to take the prescribed dose at the times recommended by your doctor. You will be given instructions on how to reduce (taper) your dose gradually at the end of your treatment. Have your doctor write these instructions out for you. If you have any questions about how to taper your dose, call your doctor. Tapering is usually only necessary if you use corticosteroids for a long time. It may not be necessary if you use the steroids only for short periods.

Dexamethasone, if given too rapidly by IV, may cause temporary itching or burning in the vaginal or rectal area. This goes away after a few minutes.

To minimize side effects of oral corticosteroids, take your pills with a full glass of liquid and a small snack.

Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor before using corticosteroids. This drug can pass through your body into breast milk and should not be used while you are breast-feeding.

Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your mouth and eyes. Your immune system may be weakened while you are taking corticosteroids.

Steroids used to treat cancer and cancer pain are not the same as steroids used by body builders (anabolic steroids).

Do not use alcohol or street drugs while you are taking corticosteroids. Tell your doctor if you need more pain relief.

Natural Pain Relief for Back Pain

Eight out of 10 adults in America have—or will soon experience—back pain brought on by the wear and tear of living. It seems simple to pop a pill for the pain, but why not avoid the side effects by trying natural possibilities first? You can turn to natural healing practices and herbs to alleviate back pain. The Chinese medical perspective According to Chinese medicine, the skeletal structure, bones, and lower back are part of the kidney network. Kidney energy tends to diminish as we age, more rapidly with unhealthy diet, excessive strain, and youthful indiscretions such as drug and alcohol use. Weakness in the kidney network results in symptoms of lower back pain, as well as general weakness, fatigue, and other signs of premature aging. Replenishing kidney energy is a slow and difficult process; that is why it is essential to preserve kidney energy. Fortunately, through qigong exercises, herbs, proper diet and lifestyle, you can slow down its depletion and even regenerate certain aspects of kidney energy, and in the process, ease some of your back pain. Try these tips! 1. Eucommia for your aching back Eucommia is a traditional ingredient in herbal formulas for back and joint pain and helps to strengthen your bones, tendons, and ligaments. Western studies with rats have discovered that both the leaves and the bark of eucommia contain a compound that encourages the development of collagen, an important part of connective tissues like skin, tendons, and ligaments. A typical dosage is 350 mg twice a day. You can also try the traditional Chinese Arthritis/Joint formula, which includes eucommia and other herbs that support a strong back. 2. Press here for relief Lower back pain is one of the most common problems that we treat at the Tao of Wellness. We use acupuncture and bodywork to reduce pain, which has proven quite effective. Like acupuncture, acupressure is the art of acupuncture without needles, where you use your own fingers to stimulate a specific acupoint. The combination of the following two acupoints is good for strengthening the kidneys and alleviating back pain: • Find the acupoint: Forceful Torrent (Ki-3), which is in the depression between the inner anklebone and the Achilles tendon of the right foot. Apply steady pressure with your right thumb until you feel soreness. Hold for 3 minutes. Repeat on the left foot. • Find the acupoint: Supporting the Core. It's in the middle of the popliteal crease behind the knee of the right leg. Apply pressure with your right middle finger until you feel soreness. Hold for 3 minutes. Repeat on your left leg. You can also massage the parts or your back that are in pain. Tonic oil, which consists of oils of camphor, peppermint, eucalyptus, fennel, and wintergreen, can be massaged into your back for relief from minor aches and pains. For a traditional blend of tonic oil in a pure sesame oil base, click here. 3. Tasty treats for back pain Make a delicious anti-inflammatory cocktail by mixing equal parts of unsweetened black cherry juice with dark grape juice and drink 3 to 6 glasses a day until the pain has eased. Also, feature more pineapple in your diet. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps with back pain, as well as muscle and joint pain. 4. Exercise can ease your back Most back pain is caused by the wear and tear of living, which over time weakens our skeletal structure, in the form of bone loss or a displaced disk. Research conclusively shows that exercise early in life builds bone mass and strengthens the skeletal structure, helping to prevent injury down the road. The good news is that if you are advancing in age, regular exercise can slow the progress of degenerative bone disorders. Generally for a healthy back, I recommend a combination of exercises: a 30-minute daily walk, moderate weight training to strengthen muscles and bones, and tai chi or qigong to build endurance and flexibility. A good form to choose is Dao-In qigong, which is gentle on the body and great for loosening up the back. You can look for a local tai chi practitioner to teach you or learn from an instructional DVD. During acute back pain, exercise may be difficult or too painful. Until you are mobile, bed rest is the best.