GAAPP and Sam partner to promote OCS stewardship

If you’re living with asthma, you may have been prescribed oral corticosteroids (OCS) such as prednisone. While these medications can be lifesaving and highly effective for controlling symptoms, long-term use can come with significant side effects. Understanding these risks and how to manage them can help you take a proactive role in your treatment.


Fortunately, organizations like the Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) are working to provide resources and support for patients navigating these challenges.


GAAPP advocates for steroid stewardship, which means ensuring that steroids are used only when necessary and at the lowest effective dose. They also work to educate patients on how to reduce risks associated with steroid use.


GAAPP has partnered with Sam as a key part of their Steroid Stewardship Education and Empowerment Hub, helping patients to:

  • Understand the side effects of steroids
  • Learn safe tapering strategies
  • Have informed conversations with their doctors about alternative treatments 

GAAPP President and CEO, Tonya Winders, emphasizes the importance of patient education and advocacy. In a recent discussion, she highlighted the need for tools like Sam and the Steritas STOX® Suite to ensure that patients receive care that reflects their real-world experiences.


"The reality is that patients in many parts of the world are still being managed with systemic steroids simply because the alternatives are inaccessible. The economics of healthcare often dictate treatment decisions, and unfortunately, biologics are still seen as costly compared to prednisone, despite the long-term burden of steroid-related complications," she says.


GAAPP also provides guidance for healthcare providers, payers, and policymakers, and is working with Sam to help change prescribing practices.


For more resources, visit GAAPP’s Steroid Stewardship page.