Corticosteroids may be used to treat such ailments as arthritis, asthma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rashes and eczema. A variety of corticosteroids are available as pills, capsules, injections and inhalants. While they can be used in many treatments, they also can have a variety of side effects, some of which are serious and may require medical attention.
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids--such as those marketed as Prelone, Aristocort, Prednicot, Entocort EC, Celestone, Medrol, Decadron, Pediapred, Cortef, Florinef Acetate, Deltasone, Orapred and Dexamethasone Intensol, among others--have a variety of serious and non-serious side effects possible. The serious side effects may include blurry or decreased vision, thirstiness, increased need to urinate, hives or rash, confusion, excitement, restlessness, dramatic mood swings, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, sensory hallucinations, false beliefs such as feeling well or self-importance or feeling mistreated, and depression. You should seek medical help if you experience any of these side effects.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids such as Pulmicort (budesonide, generically) are used to treat asthma and to prevent its symptoms in both adults and children at least 6 years old. Side effects from budesonide may include bodily pains, diarrhea, shivering, nasal congestion, nausea, chills, muscle pains, headaches, a dry or sore throat, fever, pain in the joints, decreased appetite, sneezing, vomiting, insomnia, swallowing difficulties, excessive sweating, earaches, bruising, urination that is difficult or painful, bone fractures and pain in the side or lower back. These all are considered serious side effects according to the Mayo Clinic. You should report them to a doctor as soon as possible. Other side effects are not considered serious and may be temporary. These may include an upset stomach and belching, cramps in the muscles, bodily weakness and bodily motion difficulties, among others.
Intravenous Corticosteroids
Such medications as Solu-Medrol (generically, methylprednisolone sodium succinate) is a corticosteroid administered intravenously or as an intramuscular medication to treat patients for which oral corticosteroid can't be used. Side effects from these injections may include some of the side effects from oral and inhaled corticostoids. They also may include retention of sodium, a loss of potassium, hypertension, a decrease in the mass of muscles, a peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, decreased ability to self-heal wounds, skin thinning, irregular menstrual cycles and vertigo.
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