Cortisone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.

Applies to cortisone: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Associated with long-term therapy: bone loss, cataracts, indigestion, muscle weakness, back pain, bruising, oral candidiasis.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cortisone: compounding powder, injectable suspension, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure (in susceptible patients), hypertension, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, thromboembolism^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large bowel (particularly in inflammatory bowel disease patients), pancreatitis, abdominal distention, ulcerative esophagitis, nausea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humoral heads, pathologic fracture of long bones, tendon rupture, growth suppression in children^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Psychic disturbances^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment, vertigo, headache^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Development of cushingoid state, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly during stress, e.g. trauma, surgery, illness)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, exophthalmos^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Menstrual irregularities^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemics (in diabetics), negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism, increased appetite^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Impaired wound healing, suppressed reactions to skin tests, weight gain, malaise^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Thin fragile skin, petechiae and ecchymosis, erythema, increased sweating, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema, other cutaneous reactions, hirsutism^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are the side effects of steroids?
• What is the difference between hydrocortisone and cortisone?
• How long do the effects of a cortisone injection shot last?

Further information

Cortisone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer