Corticosteroid Side Effects WisdomCard™

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Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone and hydrocortisone, are commonly prescribed to treat inflammation, including arthritis, liver inflammation, colitis, asthma and skin rashes. The side effects of short term use include sodium and fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, loss of potassium, headache, muscle weakness, and insomnia.¹ Long term side effects are more disturbing and should be considered before using any corticosteroid for several months or more.¹ These include thinning of the skin, swelling of the face, glaucoma, cataracts, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, obesity, growth retardation in children, convulsions, higher risk of infection, gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and aseptic necrosis.^{1 2} Use of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone can also result in psychiatric disturbances such as depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and psychotic behavior.¹

Fast Facts:

• The tendency toward and the severity of side effects increases with dosage size and length of use.²
• Mood changes are more common when taking doses over 30 milligrams per day.²
• Thinned skin from corticosteroid use is typically not reversible.¹
• Facial swelling from corticosteroid use is often reversible.¹
• Danger signs to watch for include hip or groin pain, chest pain, visual problems, swelling of ankles, mood changes, frequent heartburn, high fever, productive cough, pain while urinating, and skin lesions.²

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