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Weigh the benefits and risks of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, when choosing a medication. By Mayo Clinic StaffCorticosteroid drugs — including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone — are useful in treating many conditions, such as rashes, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. But these drugs also carry a risk of various side effects. How do corticosteroids work?When prescribed in doses that exceed your body's usual levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation. This can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma or skin rashes. Corticosteroids also suppress your immune system, which can help control conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. How are corticosteroids used?Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, allergies and many other conditions. These drugs also help suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. Corticosteroids also treat Addison's disease, a relatively rare condition where the adrenal glands aren't able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs. Corticosteroids are administered in many different ways, depending on the condition being treated:
What side effects can corticosteroids cause?Corticosteroids carry a risk of side effects, some of which can cause serious health problems. When you know what side effects are possible, you can take steps to control their impact. Side effects of oral corticosteroids Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of just a particular area, this route of administration is the most likely to cause significant side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include:
When taking oral corticosteroids longer term, you may experience:
Side effects of inhaled corticosteroids When using an inhaled corticosteroid, some of the drug may deposit in your mouth and throat instead of making it to your lungs. This can cause:
If you gargle and rinse your mouth with water — don't swallow — after each puff on your corticosteroid inhaler, you may be able to avoid mouth and throat irritation. Some researchers have speculated that inhaled corticosteroid drugs may slow growth rates in children who use them for asthma. Side effects of topical corticosteroids Topical corticosteroids can lead to thin skin, red skin lesions and acne. Side effects of injected corticosteroids Injected corticosteroids can cause temporary side effects near the site of the injection, including skin thinning, loss of color in the skin, and intense pain — also known as post-injection flare. Other signs and symptoms may include facial flushing, insomnia and high blood sugar. Doctors usually limit corticosteroid injections to three or four a year, depending on each patient's situation. Reduce your risk of corticosteroid side effectsTo get the most benefit from corticosteroid medications with the least amount of risk:
Weigh the risks and benefits of corticosteroidsCorticosteroids may cause a range of side effects. But they may also relieve the inflammation, pain and discomfort of many different diseases and conditions. Talk with your doctor to help you better understand the risks and benefits of corticosteroids and make informed choices about your health. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide
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. What happens to your body after taking steroids?Steroid misuse can cause acne,70–72 hair loss on the head, cysts, and oily hair and skin. Users who inject steroids may also develop pain and abscess formation at injection sites. Anabolic steroids can also produce jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as a result of damage to the liver.
What are 5 effects that steroids have on the body?Side effects of steroids include: Shrinking of the testicles. Excessive hair growth in women.. Elevated blood pressure.. Rapid mood swings.. Mania.. Stroke.. Menstrual irregularities for women.. |