What are the most side effects of steroid tablets?
As with all medicines, some people will have side effects. These are more likely if you are on a high dose or if you are taking steroids for a long time.
Your doctor will make sure you are on the lowest possible dose to keep your condition under control. You might also be given a drug called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or another medicine to protect your stomach.
Taking steroid tablets for less than 3 weeks is unlikely to cause any significant long-term side effects. But you may get side effects if you need to take them for longer, at a high dose or if you need frequent courses.
So. What are the most common side effects of steroid tablets?
Steroid tablets are strong and have alot of side-effects. Steroid tablets taken for longer than 3 weeks can cause:
- Increased appetite – which may lead to weight gain if you find it difficult to control what you eat
- Central obesity (around your middle)
- Acne and striae (stretch marks)
- Rapid mood swings and mood changes – aggression, insomnia, being irritable and short-tempered with people
- More serious mental health problems – like depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. If you have serious depression or suicidal thoughts, see your GP urgently or call NHS111
- Thin skin that bruises easily
- Muscle weakness
- Delayed wound healing
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
- Diabetes (or they may worsen existing diabetes)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Glaucoma and cataracts (eye conditions)
- Stomach ulcers
- Increased risk of infections, particularly chickenpox, shingles and measles
- Reduced growth in children.
For all of these reasons, it is best to take steroid tablets in lower doses, for short courses if possible.
Summary
We have described what are the most common side effects of steroid tablets. We hope it has been helpful.
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