Steroid card: I've just received a message from my... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Steroid card

diana1998 profile image
9 Replies

I've just received a message from my surgery asking me to download a steroid card to keep on me at all times. I guess this is common practice now. Does this mean no more blue cards?

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diana1998 profile image
diana1998
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9 Replies
SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

I didn’t just rely on a card in case it wasn’t about my person during an emergency. I wore a medic alert bracelet too. You could try asking a pharmacy for a card if you want a stiff card version rather than a thin paper cut-out.

Just a note, when I joined PMRGCAUK and with each renewal, I get a nice new one.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

The new [emergency] one is more for medical bods to be aware that you are on steroids should you be unable to tell them following an accident or incident… but as far as I am aware the charity are still sending out the blue cards when you renew your membership annually. So you can still have an up to date record of your doses.

In fact early days when doses were changing rapidly, I made my own with a postcard coloured blue] cut to same size so it fitted in purse… where there’s a will there’s a way! 😊

But as to your comment - is this common practice now? - do you mean downloading your own or keeping it on you at all times… if first, then yes, if second then it should always be so… or as said an identity bracelet or similar…

Freshairfiend profile image
Freshairfiend in reply to DorsetLady

Brilliant idea to make my own blue card. Many thanks, you’re a wealth of ideas and information!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Freshairfiend

Used to be a girl guide -and had a practical mother!😉…

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

No - the two cards have different purposes: the blue card is a record of your dose over time and the new red card to download is information to be shown to healthcare professionals as a warning you may be at risk of adrenal insufficiency or even an adrenal crisis when ill or receiving treatments.

Is it common practice? Should be but it is becoming clear that the HCPs haven't all received the memo! It was introduced because it was realised that many HCPs were totally ignorant of the risks longterm corticosteroid management poses but there doesn't appear to have been an education campaign to go with it.

Freshairfiend profile image
Freshairfiend

it’s nit common practice at my gp surgery…and no blue cards at pharmacy. I have downloaded the emergency card and put dosage on back. I’ve also git a Steroid alert silicone band from eBay and ordered an engraved bracelet from there with important info and directing to my purse for dosage. Dorset lady’s idea of making your own blue card may be the easiest way of getting one.

PMR_sufferer1 profile image
PMR_sufferer1

When I asked for one at the pharmacy they looked at me gone out when I thought it was an obvious question. I will ask again when I next speak to my doctor as I would prefer to carry one just in case.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMR_sufferer1

Try this if you want one with space to write your doses-

imperialendo.co.uk/Steroid%...

Or this for new one -

endocrinology.org/media/387...

Stills profile image
Stills

in 1979 when I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Stills Disease and prescribed steroids I was given a card to carry. As I was just 17 then my Mum also used to write it on my hand in indelible ink if I went out once I was 18 on my own 😆

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