Corticosteroids: Side Effects

Key points

• Glucocorticoid side effects: weight gain, easy bruising, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, proximal myopathy, thin skin, cataracts, glaucoma, psychosis, adrenal suppression.
• Mineralocorticoid effects: fluid retention, hypertension, hypokalaemia.
• Immunosuppression: increased infection risk (including TB reactivation and atypical infections).
• Never stop long-term steroids abruptly — risk of Addisonian crisis; taper gradually.
• Patients on >3 weeks of steroids or repeated courses should carry a steroid card.

Decision points in this pathway

• Long-term steroid to stop?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.