Sterio

Sterio is used to achieve prompt suppression of inflammation. Examples of inflammatory conditions for which Sterio is used include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Severe allergic conditions that fail conventional treatment also may respond to Sterio. Examples include bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, drug-induced dermatitis, and contact and atopic dermatitis. Chronic skin conditions treated with Sterio include dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis and severe seborrheic dermatitis. Chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions of the uvea, iris, conjunctiva and optic nerves of the eyes also are treated with Sterio.

hypersensitivity to the medicine or systemic fungal infection.liver disease (such as cirrhosis);

kidney disease;

a thyroid disorder;

diabetes;

a history of malaria;

tuberculosis;

osteoporosis;

a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

glaucoma or cataracts;

herpes infection of the eyes;

stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;

depression or mental illness;

congestive heart failure; or

high blood pressure

Sterio may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners [for example, warfarin (Coumadin)]. Phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) may increase the metabolism of Sterio and other corticosteroids, resulting in lower blood levels and reduced effects. Therefore, the dose of Sterio may need to be increased if treatment with phenobarbital is begun.

Side effects of Sterio and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness of the face, hair growth on the face, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances. Psychic disturbances may include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior.