Perceptions of pharmacists about adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy: focus on osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the perceptions of pharmacists regarding the adverse effects of corticosteroids, in particular corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.


METHODS
Mailed survey of a random sample of pharmacists.


METHODS
Richmond, Virginia.


METHODS
350 community and hospital pharmacists.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Respondents' knowledge of adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy in men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women; the content of respondents' usual patient counseling for low- and high-dose therapy; and respondents' opinions of regimens for prevention of osteoporosis.


RESULTS
Pharmacists associated gastritis, weight gain, and mood changes with corticosteroid use in a hypothetical 45-year-old man or 45-year-old premenopausal woman. For a hypothetical 65-year-old postmenopausal woman, pharmacists more frequently counseled about weight gain, osteoporosis, and gastritis. Patient counseling focused on these adverse effects for both low-dose (5 to 10 mg/day) and high-dose (> or = 30 mg/day) prednisone use. Osteoporosis was considered more likely in patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids on a long-term basis.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacists responding to this survey frequently overlooked the association between low- and high-dose corticosteroid use and decreased bone density. Educational efforts are needed so that pharmacists can fulfill their potential for educating patients, monitoring corticosteroid therapy, and detecting drug-induced complications.
Hudson
J Q
JQ
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Small
R E
RE
Buckley
L
L
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010465:Perception; D010595:Pharmacists; D014768:Virginia
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones