- Prolonged systemic corticosteroid treatment, except for topical applications (e.g. for rash), inhaled sprays (e.g. for obstructive airways diseases), eye drops or local injections (e.g. intra-articular). Note: Short duration (< 2 weeks) of systemic corticosteroids is allowed (e.g. for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) but not within 1 month prior to randomisation.