GoTo Telemed Launches National Steroid Safety Education Initiative

KALISPELL, Mont. - June 25, 2026 - PRLog -- GoTo Telemed, a nationwide integrated telehealth ecosystem serving over 10 million patients, today launched a comprehensive Steroid Safety Education Initiative – a virtual education program designed to help patients and healthcare providers understand, monitor, and manage the side effects of corticosteroid therapy. The initiative provides evidence-based resources through GoTo Telemed's secure platform, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment while minimizing risks.

Corticosteroids – including prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone – are among the most commonly prescribed medications for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, up to one in ten patients develop significant side effects, particularly with long-term use. Side effects can range from mild to life-threatening, and their severity depends on dose, duration, and individual patient factors.

"Corticosteroids are powerful, life-saving medications, but they are also associated with serious side effects that patients and providers must actively manage together," said a GoTo Telemed spokesperson. "Our Steroid Safety Education Initiative provides patients with clear, evidence-based information about what to watch for, how to reduce risks, and when to seek help – all through accessible virtual care."

Common Side Effects of Corticosteroid Therapy

Patients taking oral or systemic corticosteroids may experience:

Metabolic changes – Weight gain, fat deposits in the abdomen, face and neck, fluid retention (swelling in lower legs), and elevated blood sugar levels that may lead to diabetes

Cardiovascular effects – High blood pressure, increased risk of heart failure, and blood clots

Gastrointestinal issues – Indigestion, heartburn, peptic ulcers, and gastritis

Neuropsychiatric symptoms – Mood swings, memory problems, confusion, depression, mania, insomnia, restlessness, and in severe cases, psychotic symptoms such as auditory hallucinations or persecution delusions

Musculoskeletal effects – Osteoporosis (weakened bones), muscle weakness, joint pain, and increased fracture risk

Dermatologic effects – Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, stretch marks, and impaired wound healing

Ocular effects – Cataracts and glaucoma

Immune suppression – Increased susceptibility to infections

Long-Term and High-Dose Risks

Prolonged or high-dose corticosteroid use carries additional serious risks, including:

Cushing's syndrome – A condition caused by prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels, characterized by weight gain, moon face, and metabolic disturbances

Adrenal suppression – The body's own cortisol production may shut down, leading to adrenal crisis if steroids are stopped abruptly

Osteoporosis and fractures – Long-term use significantly increases the risk of bone loss and fractures

Increased cardiovascular events – Stroke and other cardiovascular complications

Media Contact:
GoTo Telemed Media Relations
info@gototelemed.com
(660) 628-1660
https://gototelemed.com/