SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH STEROID USE

Edited by, JASPER VICTORIA

Steroids, though useful in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, is also liable to cause various side-effects which are as follows:

Gastro-intestinal side-effects: Pancreatitis, candidiasis, oesophageal ulceration, peptic ulceration.

Musculoskeletal side-effects: Myopathy, growth suppression, osteoporosis, fractures.

Endocrinal side-effects: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression.

Side-effects of the Central nervous system: Depression, psychosis, aggravated epilepsy.

Ophthalmologic side-effects: Papilloedema, glaucoma, cataracts.

Side-effects of Immune system: Increased susceptibility and severity of infections.

Other Side-effects: Fever, increased  WBC, rarely leucopenia.