Children Adverse side effects observed in children are similar to those observed in adults. On top of that, corticosteroids can cause long-term growth retardation in young children. Cortisone is often given to children on alternating days in order to limit adverse effects such as these. A child treated with corticosteroids may attend school [...]
Measures that do not involve specific drugs are also recommended Your doctor may prescribe a specific diet. It should not be too restrictive and will be adapted for each patient's specific case. Regular physical activity is highly recommended in order to limit the risk of muscle wasting, weight gain and osteoporosis caused by [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Sodium level Contrary to popular belief, steroids do not cause changed in blood sodium level
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 [...]
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 [...]
Weight and physical appearance Description: corticosteroids are known to frequently cause weight gain in patients. This gain is is usually moderate, consisting of 1 to 2 kilograms of added mass. In addition, corticosteroids enlarge certain aspects of the face. A "moon face" can result, meaning a large forehead and a large chin appear [...]