What side effects can corticosteroids cause?

Corticosteroids carry a risk of side effects. Some side effects can cause serious health problems. When you know what side effects are possible, you can take steps to control their impact.

Side effects of corticosteroids taken by mouth

Corticosteroids that you take by mouth affect your entire body. For this reason, they are the most likely type of corticosteroid to cause side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include:

• A buildup of fluid, causing swelling in your lower legs.
• High blood pressure.
• Problems with mood swings, memory, behavior, and other psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium.
• Upset stomach.
• Weight gain in the belly, face and back of the neck.

When taking corticosteroids by mouth for a longer term, you may experience:

• Problems with the eyes, such as glaucoma or cataracts.
• A round face, which is sometimes called moon face.
• High blood sugar, which can trigger or worsen diabetes.
• Increased risk of infections, especially with common bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms.
• Bone fractures and thinning bones, called osteoporosis.
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness.
• Thin skin, bruising and slower wound healing.

Side effects of inhaled corticosteroids

When using a corticosteroid that you breathe in, some of the drug may deposit in your mouth and throat instead of making it to your lungs. This can cause:

• Fungal infection in the mouth, known as oral thrush.
• Hoarseness.

You may be able to avoid mouth and throat irritation if you gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each puff on your corticosteroid inhaler. Be sure not to swallow the rinse water. Some researchers think 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, skin lesions and acne.

Side effects of injected corticosteroids

Injected corticosteroids can cause temporary side effects near the site of the shot. These side effects include skin thinning, loss of color in the skin and intense pain. This pain is known as post-injection flare. Other symptoms may include facial flushing, insomnia and high blood sugar. Health care providers usually limit corticosteroid injections to three or four a year, depending on each person's situation.