What are the side effects of injectable corticosteroids?
Short-term side effects of injectable corticosteroids include: • shrinkage of the skin at the injection site • depigmentation of the skin at the injection site • bacterial infection • local bleeding at injection site • soreness at the injection site • reaction to the corticosteroid causing a flare up of inflammation • weakened tendons • increase in blood sugar levels in diabetics • reduce body’s ability to fight infections • injury to joint tissues Long-term injectable corticosteroid side effects include: • thinning of the skin • easy bruising • weight gain • puffiness in the face • elevation of blood pressure • cataract formation • thinning of the bones • thinning of joint cartilage • weakening of joint ligaments The likelihood of occurrence of these long-term side effects depends on the dose of corticosteroid given and the frequency of treatments.
