Gastrointestinal issues

Gut side effects Description: corticosteroids can cause some gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain/cramps in the stomach and/or acid reflux. These symptoms are mild and can be treated relatively easily by your doctor. The risk of a more serious complication (e.g. peptic ulcer, pancreatic inflammation, colon infection) is much lower. Frequency: about 10% of [...]

2024-03-21T14:24:57+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

Peculiarities of corticosteroids applied to the skin

Topical corticosteroids Corticosteroids applied to the skin rarely induce adverse side effects, although certain ones have been observed during prolonged treatment with high doses of powerful forms of topical corticosteroids(e.g., cataract, diabetes...). Local side effects can also occur: fragility of the skin, difficulty healing cuts, spontaneous bruising caused by minor trauma and stretch [...]

2024-03-21T14:33:54+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , |

Specific properties of inhaled corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids Inhaled corticosteroids, while much better tolerated by patients compared to pills or injections, may also cause side effects when taken for several months at high doses. These effects can include cataracts, osteoporosis and adrenal insufficiency. However, these side effects are very rare. Moreover, when taken orally in the airways, corticosteroids can [...]

2024-03-21T14:30:25+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

Potassium levels

Potassium level Description: treatment with corticosteroids may cause a mild decrease in blood potassium levels (serum potassium levels) but this has never been clearly demonstrated. Frequency: unknown Prevention/treatment: some doctors routinely combine the corticosteroid therapy with potassium supplementation. Screening: when required, a blood test may assess the blood level of potassium. Useful references [...]

2024-03-21T14:26:38+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Cholesterol and triglycerides Description: corticosteroids may result in higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. This increase does not trigger symptoms in the short-term. However, in the long-term this change may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Frequency: little is currently known about the frequency of cholesterol and triglyceride side effects [...]

2024-03-21T14:29:12+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , , |

Diabetes

Diabetes Description: in most cases, diabetes does not create symptoms and is diagnosed upon a blood screening. When there are symptoms, it may be an unusual combination of thirst and/or frequent urination. Frequency: certain studies have estimated that about 5% of patients treated with cortisone have developed diabetes in the year following treatment. [...]

2024-03-21T14:27:06+01:00March 20th, 2024|Tags: , , , , , |

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency Description: adrenal insufficiency (or "weakness" of the adrenal glands) occurs only when the steroid treatment stops or is abruptly terminated (generally, when the dose falls below 5 mg per day). This is a very rare complication. The symptoms include unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss and sometimes fever. Frequency: once long-term [...]

Sex-related side effects

Sex-related side effects Description: for women undergoing treatment with cortisone, some changes in the menstrual cycle may be experienced. Menstruations can be longer or shorter than usual. Men have reported on occasion that they had decreased libido and/or erectile dysfunction during corticosteroid therapy. Frequency: the frequency of the sexual side effects caused by [...]

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