HOW STEROIDS ARE ADMINISTERED

INJECTION

Injecting steroids directly into muscle tissue allows doses to be lower than they would be for oral tablets, reducing the risk and severity of side effects.

ORAL TABLETS

For some diseases oral administration of steroids is just as effective as injections. Tablets can also be selfadministered, making them preferable for conditions where steroids need to be taken for longer periods.

INHALERS

As with injections, inhalers administer steroids to localised areas, allowing the dosage to be lower. Like oral tablets, they can also be selfadministered. They are most effective for conditions affecting the airways.

CREAMS

Topical steroids such as creams and ointments, which are administered directly onto the skin, offer similar benefits to inhalers for the external organs.

ABOVE:

Needle sharing between anabolic steroid abusers increases the risk of disease transmission, including HIV

RIGHT: Many sporting bodies now routinely test their athletes’ blood and urine for evidence of steroid misuse