Side effect concerns lead to non-compliance
28 June 2007

A survey by Asthma UK shows that nearly a quarter (23%) of people with asthma who are concerned about side effects do not take their steroid medication as prescribed.

82% of people prescribed steroids who took part in the survey said they have some concerns about side effects; of those not offered the opportunity to discuss and agree how to manage their asthma with a GP or asthma nurse, just under a third (31%) did not take their steroid medication.

Women were shown to be more likely than men to report their concerns, whereas men are more likely to allow their concerns to affect their use of steroid medication. The strongest concerns are expressed by the 45-54 age group with just over half (54%) of this group saying they are 'very' or 'fairly' concerned. People in Northern Ireland have been found to be the least likely to allow their concerns to affect their use of steroid medication whereas people in England are the most likely to avoid taking their medication.

Patients are often concerned about the risk of developing osteoporosis caused by taking prolonged high doses of steroids. However, it is important to weigh up risks versus benefits and we know that inhaled steroids are the most effective preventer drug for adults and children for achieving good asthma control.

Inhaled steroid medicines are usually taken at low doses and the medication goes straight to the airways so very little is absorbed into the rest of the body. Those who encounter side effects such as hoarseness of voice, sore throat or mouth infection can help to avoid them by taking their inhaler via a spacer, brushing their teeth and rinsing their mouth afterwards.

Professor Martyn Partridge, Chief Medical Adviser to Asthma UK says: 'Good doctor patient communication is an essential component of asthma management and patients will understandably not take medicines about which they have concerns.

'Those with asthma should feel absolutely free to question doctors about their prescriptions and expect to be asked to express any concerns so that a balanced discussion regarding the facts may follow. Once reassured however, people with asthma should do their best to take prescribed medicines as not doing so can have a profound effect on their health and well-being.'

Jenny Versnel, Executive Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK says: 'Despite effective medication for the majority of people with asthma, Asthma UK's data highlights that approximately 1 in 3 (34%) people with asthma have not had a full discussion with a doctor or nurse about what asthma medicines (including side effects) are best for them.

'These results highlight the need to understand the concerns people with asthma have around their treatment, so that informed discussions can improve asthma control and reduce the number of emergency admissions.'

The survey data was presented by Asthma UK at the British Thoracic Society Summer conference on 28 June.