Why India needs steroid emergency card: Exploring necessity, benefits, and implementation challenges

Abstract The use of steroids is crucial in managing various chronic and acute conditions, but it poses significant risks, including adrenal insufficiency (AI) and adrenal crisis, if not managed correctly. The steroid emergency card (SEC) is a vital tool designed to alert healthcare providers about a patient’s dependence on steroids, ensuring timely intervention during emergencies. This review explores the implementation and benefits of SECs in India, drawing on practices from other countries to highlight the necessity of this safety measure. The SEC helps healthcare providers quickly identify patients at the risk of adrenal crisis and provides critical information on emergency management. We discuss the criteria for issuing SECs, their role in preventing adrenal crises, and the observed benefits in patient management. In addition, we present international practices, including measures adopted by countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia, providing a comprehensive understanding of global strategies to manage steroid-dependent patients. The review concludes with recommendations for improving SEC adoption in India, emphasizing the importance of education and policy support to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes.