Immunotherapy clinical nurse specialist team – steroid information
Date issued: May 2026
Review date: May 2028
Leaflet section: Oncology
PDF: Immunotherapy clinical nurse specialist team - steroid information.pdf [pdf] 352KB
Oncology
This leaflet has been created to give you clear, supportive information about taking steroids as part of your treatment. We know that starting a new medication can feel worrying, so our aim is to help you understand what to expect and how to stay well while taking them. Everything included here is designed to guide you and help you feel confident about your treatment. If anything is unclear or you have questions at any point, your healthcare team is always here to support you.
Steroids explained:
Steroids usually need to be reduced slowly over several days or weeks. Stopping them suddenly can make your symptoms come back and could make you feel very unwell.
While we are treating your side effects, your immunotherapy will be paused. We can only restart immunotherapy when you are taking 10 mg of prednisolone a day or less. Sometimes we wait until you have stopped steroids completely before restarting treatment.
Steroids do not seem to stop immunotherapy from working. Some people may need extra treatments alongside steroids to help manage side effects. If this applies to you, your clinical team will explain everything and answer any questions.
Important information about taking steroids:
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Take steroids with food, as this helps protect your stomach. Please let your team know if you get stomach pain, indigestion, or notice black/tarry stools.
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Take steroids in the morning if you can, as this can help reduce sleep problems.
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Steroids can raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you already take medication for these, it is important to keep an eye on things. Signs of high blood sugar can include feeling very thirsty, needing to pass urine more often, feeling very tired, or blurred vision.
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Steroids can sometimes cause thrush. Check your mouth regularly and tell us if you notice a white coating, soreness, or changes in taste.
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Steroids can affect your mood. Please talk to us if you notice any changes or have any concerns.
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Other possible effects include swollen ankles, thinner skin, and bruising.
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Please speak to your team before having any vaccinations.
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Steroids can make you more likely to pick up infections. Try to avoid close contact with anyone who has chickenpox, shingles, or cold sores.
If you print the PDF version of this leaflet, you will see a table where you can record the dose of steroids you are taking. This can help you and your team keep track easily.
The Immunotherapy Specialist Nurse Team is made up of experienced oncology nurses who work closely with the wider cancer care team. They are here to support you if you experience any side effects from your immunotherapy treatment. Most people only need this extra support for a short time, until their symptoms improve.
With your permission, we can also speak with your spouse, partner, or family members to help support you.
The service is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message on the answering machine. Messages are checked several times throughout the day, and a nurse will get back to you as soon as possible.
On the PDF version of this leaflet you will see a Steroid Emergency Card that you can print out if you wish.
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
