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Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) for cancer and cancer pain
Side effects are common with steroids and can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or ulcers. To reduce these side effects, take your pills with a full glass of fluid and a small snack.
- Fluid retention, causing swelling of the hands and feet.
- Increased appetite.
- Increased risk of infection.
- Preexisting diabetes getting worse.
- Menstrual period changes.
- Changes in behavior, such as symptoms of paranoia or psychosis.
- Muscle wasting. You may notice that it is difficult to climb stairs or rise from sitting to standing without assistance.
Some problems may occur with long-term use. These include:
- Osteoporosis.
- Cataract formation.
- High blood pressure.
- Development of diabetes.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 27, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology | |
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