Who
All patients with primary adrenal insufficiency, are steroid dependent and some patients, who take oral, inhaled, or topical steroids for other medical conditions should carry an emergency steroid card.
Why
Patients with adrenal insufficiency who become acutely ill or are subject to major body stressors, such as from trauma or surgery, require higher doses of steroids to prevent an adrenal crisis; a medical emergency which if left untreated can be fatal.
While substantial resources exist, clinical staff are not always aware of the risk of adrenal crisis, or the correct clinical response should one occur.
How
The national database has identified eligible patients who have been contacted by the practice. Eligible patients can collect a Steroid Emergency Card from any community pharmacy or download and print it by clicking on this image:
