Addressing steroid phobia: improving the risk-benefit ratio with new agents.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are the preferred first-line preventative therapy for asthma of all severity levels. Although these drugs have been proven efficacious, concerns of adverse systemic affects due to both long- and short-term use continue to limit patient compliance with dosing regimens. Deficits in bone growth, bone density, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, in addition to cataract formation and elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma, have been associated with ICS use in some studies. Although some of these studies were flawed, featured drugs that are less commonly prescribed today, or both, adverse effects from chronic ICSs use are still a cause of concern today. Current therapies are designed to be efficacious at minimal doses, limiting potential side effects, increasing adherence, and improving asthma control.
Skoner
Jonathan D
JD
Juniata College, Huntington, Pennsylvania, USA.
Schaffner
Timothy J
TJ
Schad
Christine A
CA
Kwon
Anessa Ye Kyung Antionette
AY
Skoner
David P
DP
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents