- Corticosteroid prescribing in the UK is highly concentrated, with a small percentage of users accounting for a large portion of prescriptions.
- Prednisolone and beclometasone were the most frequently prescribed oral and inhaled corticosteroids, respectively.
- Older patients and those with chronic conditions were more likely to remain on corticosteroids, receiving higher doses.
- Prolonged corticosteroid use can increase the risk of adverse outcomes, including diabetes, fractures, and cardiovascular complications.
- Identifying high corticosteroid users is important for monitoring potential risks and guiding safe prescribing practices.
Source: PDS
