Cortisone is used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, skin problems and many other conditions.
What is Cortisone?
Cortisone works by reducing or preventing the inflammatory response and modifying the body's immune response to certain stimuli.
How should Cortisone be taken?
Cortisone is typically administered orally or intramuscularly via injection. It also exists in the form of creams, ointments or eye drops.
Side effects associated with Cortisone
Among the possible side effects of cortisone include the following:
- Insomnia
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Indigestion
- Nervousness
You should contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Black stools
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Chest pain
- Pain or increased pressure in the eye
- Fever, chills or sore throat
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Mood swings or mental problems
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Swelling of the feet or legs
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Vision problems
- Vomit that looks like coffee
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Cortisone
Cortisone should not be taken in case of systemic fungal infection or if you are taking mifepristone.
Before starting treatment with cortisone, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: aprepitant, barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, rifampin, clarithromycin, azole antifungals, steroidal contraceptives, troleandomycin, methotrexate, ritodrine, mifepristone, live vaccines, blood thinners and aspirin
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from hypothyroidism, kidney or heart problems, high blood pressure, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach problems, bowel problems, mood or psychic sphere disorders, measles, chicken pox, herpes, or various ophthalmic infections
- You have recently had tuberculosis or tested positive for tuberculosis
- You are planning on receiving a vaccination
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with cortisone.
