Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Cortisone?
Question: Good morning
My mother was diagnosed with vascular disease and prescribed 40 mg of cortisone along with another bi-weekly medicine to counteract the strength of the cortisone.
I tried asking her questions to understand myself but she wasn't very forthcoming and only gave cryptic responses.
Can you explain how the cortisone works, what the side effects could be and what I should be looking for in my mother if something changes and she won't tell me?
Or perhaps there's somewhere I should be turning for this information.
Thank you. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
XXXX
Toronto, XXXXXXX
My mother was diagnosed with vascular disease and prescribed 40 mg of cortisone along with another bi-weekly medicine to counteract the strength of the cortisone.
I tried asking her questions to understand myself but she wasn't very forthcoming and only gave cryptic responses.
Can you explain how the cortisone works, what the side effects could be and what I should be looking for in my mother if something changes and she won't tell me?
Or perhaps there's somewhere I should be turning for this information.
Thank you. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
XXXX
Toronto, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Noted your question.
I guess your mother was prescribed 40 mg prednisolone ( corticosteroid). The biweekly medicine along with that could be a bisphosphonate to protect her bones from the effects of steroid.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and downgrade the immune system. In vasculitis, it brings down the inflammation.
Main side effects are weight gain, fluid retention, osteoporosis( low bone mass), fractures, cataract, diabetes, high blood pressure, thin skin to name a few. Hence doctors start with a high dose and gradually reduce to the lowest possible dose.
When someone is taking corticosteroids ( equivalent to more than 5 mg daily of prednisolone), ideally, we should use a bisphosphonate to protect the bones. I guess that is the biweekly medicine what she is taking. Along with this, she should also take sufficient calcium and vitamin D to minimise bone loss
Regards
Binu
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Noted your question.
I guess your mother was prescribed 40 mg prednisolone ( corticosteroid). The biweekly medicine along with that could be a bisphosphonate to protect her bones from the effects of steroid.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and downgrade the immune system. In vasculitis, it brings down the inflammation.
Main side effects are weight gain, fluid retention, osteoporosis( low bone mass), fractures, cataract, diabetes, high blood pressure, thin skin to name a few. Hence doctors start with a high dose and gradually reduce to the lowest possible dose.
When someone is taking corticosteroids ( equivalent to more than 5 mg daily of prednisolone), ideally, we should use a bisphosphonate to protect the bones. I guess that is the biweekly medicine what she is taking. Along with this, she should also take sufficient calcium and vitamin D to minimise bone loss
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for the response and information. This is incredibly helpful.
Have a good day.
XXXX
Have a good day.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Wish your mother good health
Regards XXXXXXX
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Wish your mother good health
Regards XXXXXXX
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
