Other side effects

Cortisone can cause some rare side effects that are less well known in the medical world. For example, a small tremble of the hands is reported by 20-25% of patients. When doses of cortisone are reduced, this symptom goes away. Changes in the voice and hair loss are other side effects that have been reported by patients taking cortisone. These effects are rare, usually temporary and somewhat annoying. Finally, treatment with cortisone can increase appetite. This effect has been reported by up to 40% of patients in some studies and seems to depend on the dose taken. Like most other effects, it disappears when corticosteroids are discontinued.

Useful references
  • Fardet L et al. Corticosteroid-induced clinical adverse events: frequency, risk factors and patient’s opinion. Br J Dermatol. 2007