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Self-medication with steroids in inflammatory bowel disease
Virginie Filipe1, Patrick B Allen2, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet1
1Inserm U954 and Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Nancy University Hospital, Université de Lorraine, France.
Summary
A significant number of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients self-medicate with corticosteroids. This practice, particularly among those on anti-TNF therapy, highlights a need for better patient counseling and monitoring of steroid use in IBD management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Self-Management
Background:
- Self-prescribing rates of corticosteroids in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients on biological therapies remain largely unknown.
- Understanding self-medication patterns is crucial for managing IBD effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and methods of corticosteroid self-medication in adult IBD patients.
- To identify patient motivations for self-prescribing steroids.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 100 adult IBD patients treated at Nancy University Hospital between November 2012 and May 2013.
- An 11-item questionnaire was used to gather data on self-medication practices.
Main Results:
- 15% of IBD patients reported using corticosteroids without a prescription.
- Of those self-medicating, 27% were on anti-TNF treatment.
- Common reasons for self-prescription included rapid symptom relief and reluctance to consult physicians.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of IBD patients engage in unprescribed corticosteroid use.
- Self-medication with steroids may indicate uncontrolled disease and lead to 'steroid dependency'.
- Close monitoring and patient counseling regarding steroid side effects and self-prescribing are essential in IBD care.