Corticosteroids

How do they work?

How do I take them?

What about side effects?

What about addiction?

What about side effects?

There are a variety of side effects from long-term use of corticosteroids, but most people with cancer pain do not use them for long periods because their effectiveness seems to decrease over time. Corticosteroids are usually used for a few weeks while other methods of relief are tried.

Side effects of short-term use of corticosteroids can include heartburn, bleeding in the stomach, high blood sugar, swelling, and rarely uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, difficulty sleeping, depression, or restlessness.

Since corticosteroids can reduce the body's natural immunity, minor infections like thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) are more common.

People using these drugs for extended periods may also be more likely to get a serious infection.


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