Steroid Joint Injections Under Review After Woman’s Death

Steroid injections are commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation in joints, tendons and other areas affected by conditions such as arthritis. For many patients, they can provide temporary relief and help improve mobility. However, concerns about how patients are warned about rare but potentially life threatening allergic reactions have emerged following the death of a 77 year old woman after a steroid injection.

The case has prompted a coroner to raise concerns about a lack of consistent guidance on informing patients about the risk of anaphylaxis following steroid injections.

Woman died after routine shoulder injection

Jane Turner, 77, from north London, received a steroid injection at her GP surgery on September 12. The injection was intended to treat pain and inflammation.

According to the report, she returned to the surgery just 10 minutes after receiving the injection and complained of shortness of breath.

Five minutes later, she suffered a peri arrest, a critical medical situation in which a person is at immediate risk of cardiac arrest. An ambulance was called and she was taken to hospital.

Ms Turner died 16 days later.

Her recorded cause of death was an injection related allergic reaction, which resulted in severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen.

The case has raised questions about whether patients receiving steroid injections should receive clearer and more consistent information about the possibility of a serious allergic reaction.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction. It can develop rapidly and requires urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
• Wheezing or a tight feeling in the throat
• Dizziness, confusion or fainting
• A rapid heartbeat
• Skin reactions such as hives or flushing
• A sudden feeling that something is seriously wrong

Anyone experiencing symptoms that could indicate anaphylaxis should receive emergency medical attention immediately.

Although severe allergic reactions following steroid injections are considered rare, the potential seriousness of the reaction means that patients and healthcare professionals need to recognise symptoms quickly.

Coroner highlights lack of specific guidance

Following Ms Turner's death, coroner Mary Hassell raised concerns about the absence of specific national guidance covering the risk of severe allergic reactions following steroid injections.

In a prevention of future deaths report, the coroner said there was Department of Health guidance concerning severe reactions following immunisation, but no equivalent guidance relating specifically to steroid injections.

The report described this as an apparent omission and warned that failing to address the issue could create a significant risk of future deaths.

The purpose of a prevention of future deaths report is to identify concerns arising from an investigation into a death and ask relevant organisations to consider action that could reduce the risk of similar deaths occurring.

Government and regulator respond

The Department of Health and Social Care expressed its condolences to Ms Turner's family.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, known as the MHRA, is also expected to review the product information associated with steroid injection medicines.

According to the information reported following the coroner's findings, the MHRA plans to begin a formal review of product information for steroid injection licences by the end of 2026. The aim is to ensure that information about anaphylaxis is appropriately presented and consistent.

The regulator also continues to monitor reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with medicines, including serious allergic reactions.

The response could lead to clearer warnings being included with steroid injection products and may encourage greater consistency in the information given to patients.

How common are steroid injections?

Steroid injections, sometimes referred to as corticosteroid or cortisone injections, are widely used in healthcare.

They can be given to treat inflammation and pain associated with conditions affecting joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. Depending on the condition and the individual patient, the effects may last for several weeks or months.

Tens of thousands of people in the UK receive cortisone injections each year. Some patients may receive more than one injection during a year.

The treatment is generally considered established and commonly used, but like all medical procedures and medicines, it carries potential risks.

Steroid injections can have other side effects

Anaphylaxis is not the only potential complication associated with corticosteroid injections.

Because corticosteroids can affect the immune system, they may increase susceptibility to infection in some circumstances. Other possible side effects can include changes in mood, temporary increases in blood glucose and hormonal effects.

Repeated or inappropriate use can also have additional risks, which is why clinicians generally consider factors such as the patient's medical history, the area being treated and how frequently injections have already been given.

Patients should discuss potential benefits and risks with their healthcare professional before receiving treatment.

Could steroid injections affect joint health?

There has also been ongoing discussion about the longer term effects of repeated corticosteroid injections.

Although injections can reduce inflammation and pain, some research has raised concerns about possible effects on cartilage and joint structures, particularly with repeated treatment.

This does not mean that steroid injections are unsuitable for everyone. Their usefulness depends on the underlying condition, the individual patient and the clinical circumstances.

Patients should therefore avoid assuming that an injection is risk free simply because it is a routine procedure.

Should patients be monitored after an injection?

The case has also prompted discussion about what should happen immediately after steroid injections.

The Resuscitation Council UK has said that consideration should be given to whether patients should receive consistent advice about the risk of severe allergic reactions and how long they should be observed after an injection.

The appropriate approach can depend on the medicine being administered, the clinical setting and the individual patient's circumstances.

Healthcare professionals are trained to respond to serious allergic reactions, but rapid recognition remains important because anaphylaxis can progress quickly.

What should patients do?

Patients who are considering a steroid injection should ask their healthcare professional about the expected benefits, possible side effects and warning signs that require urgent attention.

It can also be useful to tell the clinician about previous allergic reactions, existing medical conditions and medicines being taken.

Anyone who develops sudden breathing difficulties, throat or tongue swelling, severe dizziness or other symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis after an injection should seek emergency medical assistance.

The death of Jane Turner has highlighted an important issue concerning patient information and the communication of rare but serious risks.

The planned review by the MHRA may result in more consistent warnings for steroid injection products. Until then, patients should discuss the treatment with their healthcare professional and make sure they understand both its potential benefits and risks.

Source

The Daily Mail on September 22, 2026, concerning the coroner's prevention of future deaths report following the death of Jane Turner. Additional information cited in the report comes from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the Resuscitation Council UK.

Medical disclaimer

This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The risks and benefits of steroid injections vary between individuals and depend on the medicine, dose, injection site and underlying medical condition. If you are considering a steroid injection, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, severe dizziness or collapse, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.