Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Steroid therapy is a well-established, effective treatment for ITP. Steroids are thought to work by slowing the destruction of platelets in the spleen.
Steroids are normally given for only a short period of time because of serious side effects. These may include:1
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Facial swelling
- Stomach ulcers
- Abnormal hair growth
- Mood changes/hyperactivity in children
- Sandler S.G. and Tutuncuoglu S.O. Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura -- current management practices. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2004; 5(12): 2515-2527.
