The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7250 p713
24 May 2003

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BMJ abstract (more)

Stepping down inhaled steroids

Stepping down inhaled corticosteroids in chronic stable asthma leads to a significant reduction in the dose of corticosteroid without compromising asthma control, a study of 259 patients has concluded.

Over a one-year period, patients who had their treatment stepped down received 25 per cent less corticosteroid daily than those who had no dose alteration. This can reduce the risk of steroid-related side effects, the authors conclude (BMJ 2003;326:1115).