Main side effects of corticosteroids

The side effects that can occur during treatment with corticosteroids are frequent and can be mild and reversible, disappearing when the drug is stopped, or irreversible, and these effects will be proportional to the duration of treatment and frequency of administration.

Some of the most common adverse effects that can occur during treatment are:

1. Weight gain

During treatment with corticosteroids, some people may experience weight gain, because this medication can lead to the redistribution of body fat, as in Cushing's Syndrome, along with a loss of fatty tissue in the arms and legs. In addition, there may be an increase in appetite and fluid retention, which can also contribute to weight gain. See how to treat Cushing's Syndrome.

2. Changes in the skin

The use of excess corticosteroids inhibits fibroblasts and reduces the formation of collagen, which can lead to the formation of red streaks on the skin, very marked and wide on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms. In addition, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile, and telangiectasias, bruises, stretch marks and poor wound healing may also appear.

3. Diabetes and high blood pressure

The use of corticosteroids increases the chances of diabetes in people who are prone to this event, because it leads to a decrease in glucose uptake. Diabetes usually disappears when you stop using the drug and only remains when individuals have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

In addition, there may also be an increase in blood pressure as it is common for sodium retention in the body and also an increase in total cholesterol.

4. Bone fragility

Prolonged use of corticosteroids can cause a decrease in the number and activity of osteoblasts and an increase in osteoclasts, decreased calcium absorption and increased urinary excretion, making bones weaker and more susceptible to suffering from osteoporosis and recurrent fractures.

5. Changes in the stomach and intestine

The use of corticosteroids can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, reflux and abdominal pain and can appear when using these remedies for a few days or simultaneously with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, for example. In addition, stomach ulcers may develop.

6. Most frequent infections

People who take at least 20mg / day of prednisone are at a higher risk of developing infections, as treatment with these drugs weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections by atypical microorganisms and opportunistic infections caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can generate serious disseminated infections.

7. Vision problems

The use of corticosteroids can lead to changes in the eyes, such as the development of cataracts and glaucoma, increasing the difficulty in seeing, especially in the elderly. Therefore, anyone who has or has a history of glaucoma in the family should be tested for eye pressure regularly while taking corticosteroids.

8. Irritability and insomnia

There may be moments of euphoria, including moments of irritability, nervousness, the desire to cry, difficulty sleeping, and in some cases it can cause depression, in addition to loss of memory and decreased concentration.

Effects of corticosteroids in pregnancy

Corticosteroids can be used in pregnancy if recommended by the obstetrician, since the risk of causing changes in the baby's development is reduced.

However, in the first 3 months of pregnancy, there are greater chances of developing changes in the baby's mouth, such as cleft palate, premature birth, or a baby with low weight. High doses can lead to a slow growth of the baby in the womb and increase the chances of being born prematurely.

Effects of corticosteroids on babies and children

The use of corticosteroids by babies and children can lead to growth retardation, due to the decrease in the absorption of calcium by the intestine and anti-anabolic and catabolic effect on proteins in peripheral tissues.