Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support is available nationally for patients experiencing the extreme (1) physical, and (2) mental, topical steroid withdrawal symptoms identified in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency report Topical steroid withdrawal reactions: a review of the evidence, published on 15 September 2021.

No additional steps are being taken to identify patients at risk of overuse of, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms from, using topical steroids. Patients on long term medication are offered regular Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) through their GP practice. SMRs are an evidence-based and comprehensive review of a patient’s medication, taking into consideration all aspects of their health.

Patients should consult their doctor or a pharmacist if they have any concerns or experience any side effects or withdrawal symptoms.