Side Effects of Steroid Therapy
Side Effects of Steroid Therapy considered acceptable and expected by the prescriber /(though not by the patient!)
Nature of Effect followed by action to help correct or minimize the side effect
- Facial mooning
(Cushing's syndrome) May be minimized by restricted calorie intake.
- Weight gain: Restrict calorie intake; may require a change in steroid medication: may require a diuretic.
- Edema: May require diuretics and potassium.
- Potassium loss: Use potassium supplement.
- Acne: Treat with topical medications.
- Urinary frequency and nocturia: Check for evidence of genitourinary infection or diabetes mellitus; urinalysis
- Insomnia, headache, fatigue, euphoria. Treat symptomatically.
Side Effects of Steroid Therapy - considered undesirable and dangerous by the prescriber
Nature of Effect
followed by action to help correct or minimize the side effect
- Allergic reaction to ACTH or steroid: Withdraw drug promptly. Substitute steroid or synthetic ACTH.
- Cardiovascular system effects
- Hypertension: Suggest reduction in dosage of steroids.
- Thromboembolic complications
- Arthritis
- Infection: Suggest anti-microbial medications as indicated.
- Eye complications:
- Glaucoma - refer to ophthalmologist.
- Corneal lesions
- Subcapsular cataract
- Musculoskeletal effects:
- Osteoporosis
- Pathologic fractures
- Growth suppression
- Myopathies
- Central nervous system
- Seizures: refer to neurologist.
- Neuritis
- Psychotic reactions
- Adrenal insufficiency (after steroid withdrawal)
LIST OF SOME STEROID SIDE EFFECTS
(and, yes that includes anabolics)
compiled on the
Exogenous or Iatrogenic (Steroid Induced) Cushing's Syndrome
Message Board
- Hypertension
- Skin Atrophy (Wasting Away)
- Myopathy (Muscle Disease/Weakness)
- Impaired Wound Healing
- Post Traumatic (After-Shock) Stress (Anxiety, Fear)
- Suppression (Lowering) of Immune Response (Defense Of Body Against Virus, Bacteria)
- Subcutaneous (Under Skin) Tissue Atrophy (Decrease)
- Skin Infections
- Depression
- Hair Loss
- Excessive Facial Hair Growth
- Ingrown Hairs
- Arthritis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Acne, Eczema
- Cysts, Rashes
- Lesions, Blisters
- Open-Angled Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Premature Menopause
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus
- Sleep Disorders
- Water Retention
- Growth Retardation In Children
- Cushing's Syndrome (Affects Almost Every System In The Body; Moonface, Humpback, Central Obesity And Other Symptoms)
- Steroid Induced Asthma
- Headaches
- Shakiness And Tremors
- Easy Bruising
- Necrosis (A Localized Death Of Tissue)
- Increase Susceptibility To Infection
- Redistribution Of Body Fat
- Increase In Circulating Blood Fats (Triglycerides)
- Muscle Cramping, Joint Pain