The risk of side effects is reduced when taking small doses of corticosteroids (7.5 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent of other corticosteroids). Receiving the intermediate doses of 7,5-20 mg per day for the month associated with low risk. Taking large doses (20-60 mg) has a higher risk and needs in terms of absolute (life) indications. Very high doses (100-1000 mg per day) and only rarely used briefly.

Corticosteroids have many side effects, which range from the ordinary to the rare.

The following are common side effects:

• Weight gain due to fluid retention (edema)
• The increase in body weight due to fat accumulation (due to increased appetite)
• Mood variability
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Subcutaneous hemorrhage
• Slow wound healing
• The formation of acne
• Formation of the crescent-shaped face
• Blurred vision
• Weakness of the limbs
• Thinning hair or increased hair growth
• Osteoporosis

The side effects most commonly occur in patients who use moderate or high doses of corticosteroids:

• Increased blood sugar level
• Elevated blood pressure
• The formation of stomach ulcers or mucosal irritation (that is usually observed in the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Skin stretching purple or red
• Increased risk of infections

Some people are more at risk of complications, even when taking low doses of corticosteroids. The elderly are more prone to develop complications than younger people.

In a sense, corticosteroids can also be considered as drugs that cause drug dependence. Dependence occurs when high doses of the drug, because large doses lead to the cessation of secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Chronic administration of corticosteroids, the body does not produce enough cortisol. This leads to adrenal insufficiency, which is a fatal condition. Some situations in which the failure occurs, the following:

• During a heart attack
• After operation
• During illness
• In a state of unconsciousness and inability to report that taking corticosteroids

Chronic administration of corticosteroids, it is desirable to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Then, in the case of medical personnel it is impossible to communicate with adrenal insufficiency will know that you can give an extra dose.