Steroid side effects you should know about
Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPLast updated by Josh AldermanLast updated 29 Jul 2026
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Steroids are medicines used to treat many conditions, including asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, and autoimmune diseases.
The term "steroids" usually refers to corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, which reduce inflammation and help control the immune system.
Like all medicines, corticosteroids can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them, and the risk depends on the type of steroid, the dose, how long it is taken for, and your overall health. Many people taking a short course have few or no side effects.
What are some common steroid side effects?
The most common side effects include:
Increased appetite.
Weight gain.
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
Mood changes, including feeling irritable or anxious.
Indigestion or stomach irritation.
A higher risk of infections.
Raised blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure.
Thinning of your skin and easy bruising.
Acne.
Muscle weakness.
Bone thinning (osteoporosis).
Slower wound healing.
The likelihood of developing these side effects varies from person to person and depends on the type of steroid treatment.
Short-term vs long-term side effects
Short-term side effects
Short courses of corticosteroids, usually lasting a few days or weeks, are less likely to cause serious side effects.
Some people however may experience:
Increased appetite.
Difficulty sleeping.
Mood changes.
Indigestion.
Temporary increases in blood sugar.
These side effects are often mild and usually improve once treatment ends.
Long-term side effects
Taking corticosteroids for several months or longer increases the risk of more significant side effects.
These can include:
Weight gain.
Osteoporosis.
Muscle weakness.
Cataracts or glaucoma.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes or worsening blood sugar control.
Thinning of your skin.
Increased susceptibility to infections.
Slower wound healing.
Suppression of your body's natural steroid production.
Your GP or healthcare professional may recommend regular monitoring if you need long-term steroid treatment.
Do side effects depend on the type of steroid?
Yes. The risk and type of side effects vary depending on how the steroid is taken.
Type of steroid | Common side effects | Risk of long-term side effects |
|---|---|---|
Oral steroids (tablets or liquid) | Weight gain, mood changes, raised blood sugar, increased infection risk | Highest, particularly with long-term use |
Pain at the injection site, temporary flushing, raised blood sugar | Usually lower, but repeated injections can increase risk | |
Sore mouth, hoarse voice, oral thrush | Low when used correctly | |
Skin thinning, stretch marks, irritation | Usually low unless used over large areas or for long periods | |
Steroid eye drops | Eye irritation, raised eye pressure | May increase with prolonged use |
Using steroids exactly as prescribed helps minimise the risk of side effects.
Who is more likely to experience steroid side effects?
Some people have a higher risk of developing side effects from steroids, including those who:
Take high doses of steroids.
Need steroid treatment for several months or longer.
Have diabetes or prediabetes.
Have high blood pressure.
Have osteoporosis or are at risk of bone loss.
Have glaucoma or cataracts.
Are older adults.
Have a weakened immune system.
Smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Your healthcare professional will consider these factors before prescribing steroids and may recommend additional monitoring.
How long do steroid side effects last?
How long side effects last depends on the type of steroid, the dose, and how long it has been taken.
Many short-term side effects, such as increased appetite, mood changes, or difficulty sleeping, improve within days or weeks after treatment finishes.
Long-term side effects, including osteoporosis, cataracts, or changes in blood sugar, may persist or require ongoing treatment.
If you have taken oral steroids for several weeks or longer, do not stop them suddenly. Your healthcare professional will usually recommend reducing the dose gradually to allow your body to start producing its own steroids again.
How can you reduce the risk of steroid side effects?
You can help lower your risk by:
Taking steroids exactly as prescribed.
Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Never stopping long-term steroid treatment suddenly without medical advice.
Taking steroid tablets with food if advised.
Rinsing your mouth after using a steroid inhaler to reduce the risk of oral thrush.
Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active to help manage weight and bone health.
Attending any recommended health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, or eye examinations.
Speaking to your healthcare professional if you notice new or worsening side effects.
Summary
Steroid side effects vary depending on the type of steroid, the dose, and how long treatment lasts.
Short courses usually cause few problems, while long-term treatment carries a greater risk of side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and raised blood sugar.
Using steroids as prescribed and attending regular reviews can help reduce these risks while allowing the medicines to work effectively.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
Next review due: 29 Jul 2029
29 Jul 2026 | Latest version
10 Mar 2019 | Originally published
Authored by:
Dr Sarah Jarvis
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