Cortisone Side Effects
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2023.
Applies to cortisone: oral tablets.
Side effects include:
Associated with long-term therapy: bone loss, cataracts, indigestion, muscle weakness, back pain, bruising, oral candidiasis.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to cortisone: compounding powder, injectable suspension, oral tablet.
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure (in susceptible patients), hypertension, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, thromboembolism[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large bowel (particularly in inflammatory bowel disease patients), pancreatitis, abdominal distention, ulcerative esophagitis, nausea[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humoral heads, pathologic fracture of long bones, tendon rupture, growth suppression in children[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Psychic disturbances[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment, vertigo, headache[Ref]
Endocrine
Frequency not reported: Development of cushingoid state, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly during stress, e.g. trauma, surgery, illness)[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, exophthalmos[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Menstrual irregularities[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemics (in diabetics), negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism, increased appetite[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Impaired wound healing, suppressed reactions to skin tests, weight gain, malaise[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Thin fragile skin, petechiae and ecchymosis, erythema, increased sweating, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema, other cutaneous reactions, hirsutism[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
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References
1. (2018) "Product Information. Cortisone Acetate (cortisone)." Hikma USA (formerly West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.