Corticosteroids, like cortisone, are common treatments for allergies and joint pain, but they also have potential side effects such as weight gain, sleep issues, and increased blood sugar levels; learn about warnings, doctor’s advice and usage tips.
Have you, um, noticed how often corticosteroids pop up in conversations about treating allergies or joint pain? But what *are* they exactly, and what are the potential downsides we should be aware of? We’re gonna break it down.
We’ll be exploring this topic further, but first, here’s a little roadmap:
- Side Effects of Corticosteroids
- Warnings About Using Corticosteroids
- Doctors Advice
- Tips When Using Corticosteroids
- Types of Cortisone
- Information You Care About Cortisone
Side Effects of Corticosteroids
The most common side effects linked to corticosteroids vary depending on how, exactly, you take them. Or… whether it’s an injection or a pill. They can include:
- Weight gain.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Changes in menstrual cycles.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Increased appetite.
- Water retention.
- Joint infection.
- Muscle weakness.
- Thinning of the skin around the injection site.
- Acne, also a side effect.
- Thinning of major bones.
- Bruising of the skin around the injection site.
- Bone decay.
- Increased blood sugar levels.
Warnings About Using Corticosteroids
Here are a few important warnings to consider before using this medication:
- Diabetic patients taking corticosteroids may experience difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. Therefore, they need closer monitoring and might need their diabetes medication adjusted.
- Those taking corticosteroids may experience a reduced ability to fight infections. It’s important to avoid exposure to contagious diseases.
- Children taking corticosteroids for extended periods might experience stunted growth. A doctor’s consultation is necessary to weigh the pros and cons.
- This medicine shouldn’t be used, if possible, during pregnancy unless there are no other options available.
- It’s currently unknown if the drug transfers through breast milk to the infant; that being said, consulting a doctor before usage is necessary
- It is important to conduct comprehensive tests and overall body exams before intaking corticosteroids to identify and address any potential complications with the doctor.
Doctors Advice
It’s important that your doctor weighs the benefits of the medicine vs. all the risks and side effects tied to taking it. Consulting with your doctor is crucial, especially if you notice anything like:
- Persistent blurred vision.
- Joint and bone pain.
- Exposure to infections or slow wound healing.
- Heart palpitations or failure to comply with heart medication.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Mood swings.
- Muscle pain.
- Significant weight gain and facial swelling.
- Pain in the stomach and vomiting.
- Swelling and pain in the legs and feet.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Unusual hair growth.
- Changes in vision.
Tips When Using Corticosteroids
Given the potential side effects, doctors try to minimize the necessary injections, so it doesn’t cause harm; especially in joints, they usually avoid cortisone injections more than three or four times a year.
After getting a cortisone shot, your doctor might suggest these tips:
- Protect the injected area for a day or two. For example, if the injection was in your shoulder, try to avoid heavy lifting. If it was in your knee, you might need a cane.
- Apply ice to the area to relieve pain, but avoid prolonged use of heat.
- Keep an eye out for infection symptoms like increased pain, redness, and swelling within 48 hours.
Types of Cortisone
There are various forms of corticosteroids, either pills or injections.
1. Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections can help relieve pain and inflammation, especially in specific areas of the body like joints, tendons, bursae, and around nerves; they can sometimes help with small, manageable joint issues in hands or feet.
These injections usually include a corticosteroid medication mixed with a local anesthetic. They need to be administered by a doctor, with limited use to minimize side effects.
2. Cortisone Pills
Knowing all this about the side effects, it might be a little more obvious why we’d start with cortisone injections. But what about the pill form?
Usually, you take corticosteroid pills with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. Take the pill with a full glass of water, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
If you’re taking it once a day, the best time to take it is in the morning around 8 AM, but it’s important to keep to a consistent schedule. Don’t skip doses!
Never stop taking cortisone suddenly, even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor, and tell them about any side effects from taking it.
Information You Care About Cortisone
The reason for the side effects of cortisone is that it belongs to a class of steroids called glucocorticoids. Doctors prescribe it to suppress the immune system, which, while helping with conditions like:
- Joint inflammation (Arthritis).
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Skin problems such as psoriasis and hives.
- Lupus.
- Eye conditions.
- Certain types of cancers.
But, as we mentioned, cortisone is something doctors use in many forms, be it pills or injections.
I was really struggling with joint pain, and the cortisone injection gave me so much relief. It really helped me get back to my daily activities. I was hesitant at first because of what I’d heard about side effects, but for me, the benefits definitely outweighed the risks!
After trying various treatments for my skin condition, my doctor suggested a short course of oral corticosteroids. I was nervous, but it cleared up my skin like nothing else. The side effects weren’t fun, especially the mood swings, but it was worth it for the relief it provided.
I’ve had a few cortisone shots over the years for tendonitis, and they always seem to do the trick. I know it’s not a long-term solution, but it buys me time and lets me stay active. Just gotta be careful not to overdo it afterward!
Myth & Facts
Myth: Cortisone is a cure-all.
Fact: Cortisone treats symptoms by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. It doesn’t cure underlying conditions.
Myth: Cortisone is only used for joint pain.
Fact: Cortisone can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, asthma, skin disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Question: Can I stop taking cortisone as soon as I feel better?
Answer: No, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to gradually taper off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
So, yeah, corticosteroids can be super helpful for a bunch of different conditions, but it’s all about weighing those benefits against the potential risks, and chatting with your doctor about what’s right for *you*. Knowledge is power, right?
