Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed in terminal cancer. They were prescribed in more than 50% of 100 consecutive patients of our hospice for palliation of anorexia, weakness, symptoms of cerebral metastases and of hypercalcemia, and other problems. There was objective and/or subjective improvement in most, though usually of short duration. If there is no improvement after a few days, corticosteroids should be discontinued.
Feasibility study of a systematic approach for discontinuation of multiple medications in older adults: addressing polypharmacy
Background: Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use is a problem in elderly patients, who are more likely to experience adverse effects from multiple treatments and less
