Corticosteroids, medications that mimic the action of the cortisone, a hormone made by the adrenal glands, reduce inflammation. People with diseases that cause inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases and asthma, often take corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time. Corticosteroids can have serious side effects even when taken for a short time.
Metabolic Effects
Corticosteroids raise blood pressure, precipitating or worsening diabetes, which usually improves after stopping the medication. Adrenal gland side effects include a decreased ability to respond to stressors such as illness or surgery, a condition called adrenal insufficiency. This side effect can last for up to a year after stopping corticosteroids. Corticosteroid doses may need to be increased to compensate for adrenal gland insufficiency during periods of stress, the Hospital for Special Surgery states. Rapid withdrawal of steroids in people who have taken the medication for more than two weeks can also have negative effects, causing a flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, fatigue and joint pain.
Infection
Because corticosteroids reduce the normal immune response, the body's response to infection may be blunted. This leaves people taking corticosteroids more vulnerable to infection. Immunosuppression may be worse in the elderly, Eric Rose M.D., of the University of Washington states on his website, Dr. Rose's Peripheral Brain.
Skin Effects
Long-term corticosteroid use thins skin, making bruising and tearing of the skin more likely. Fluid retention can cause swelling in the feet, legs and face. Skin infections and slow wound healing also occur. Fat deposits under the skin of the back, neck and abdomen can occur along with weight gain. Applied to the skin, corticosteroids can cause stretch marks, skin atrophy, telangiectasias, small broken blood vessels and pigment loss, Rose notes. Hirsuitism, excess growth of facial and body hair, also affects some patients. Acne can occur in some people.
Bone Effects
Corticosteroids also thin bones, a condition called osteoporosis, due to calcium loss, leading to an increase in fractures. Taking medications to maintain bone density can help prevent osteoporosis. Corticosteroids can also cause aseptic necrosis, a condition where bone destruction occurs, often affecting the hip joint or the femur, the Hospital for special Surgery states.
Psychiatric Effects
Corticosteroids can cause severe mood swings, from being very "up" to being very "down". Irritability and anxiety can also affect people taking corticosteroids even at low doses. Insomnia, inability to sleep, can also occur as a result of taking corticosteroids.
Eye Effects
Corticosteroids can cause elevated intraocular pressure, or glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve, causing permanent vision loss. Corticosteroids can also worsen existing cataracts or cause them to develop.
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