Is cortisone dangerous?

When used briefly and in a targeted manner, cortisone is well tolerated and often the most effective treatment for acute inflammation. The known long-term side effects mainly concern systemic treatments lasting months — which is precisely why it is prescribed as sparingly as possible.

Does cortisone make you fat?

With longer-term systemic intake, cortisone can increase appetite and lead to fluid retention and weight gain. With short treatments or local application as an ointment or spray, this is not a relevant issue.

Why does cortisone have to be tapered?

With longer-term intake, the body reduces its own cortisone production. If the medication is stopped abruptly, the hormone is suddenly lacking — resulting in weakness, nausea and circulatory problems. Gradual reduction gives the body time to take over again on its own.

May I use cortisone-containing ointments on my face?

Only cautiously and as directed by your doctor, as facial skin is thin and sensitive. Your doctor will select a suitable, mild preparation and limit the duration of use.

Does cortisone affect vaccinations?

Longer-term systemic cortisone treatment can weaken the vaccination response, and certain vaccinations with attenuated live vaccines are then unfavourable. Therefore discuss any planned vaccinations with your doctor.

Cortisone — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Cortisone is the medicinal form of a hormone produced by the body and one of the most effective treatments for inflammation and excessive immune responses. It is used as a tablet, injection, ointment or spray — from rheumatic diseases and skin eczema to asthma. Many people are wary of cortisone; when used correctly and in a targeted manner, however, it is well controllable and often the key to rapid improvement.

Typical Areas of Use

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Eczema and inflammatory skin conditions
Asthma and allergic respiratory complaints
Certain allergic conditions — however, in the case of anaphylaxis, cortisone is NOT the first-line treatment; adrenaline given into the muscle is
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Acute inflammatory flare-ups of various causes

How It Works

1Your doctor will assess whether an inflammation or immune response is present that responds to cortisone, and will select the appropriate form — ointment, spray, tablet or injection.
2She will design the treatment to achieve as much as possible with as little cortisone as possible: local rather than systemic, short-term rather than long-term, wherever that is sufficient.
3In the case of longer-term treatment with tablets, the dose is adjusted gradually and monitored regularly — including blood pressure, blood sugar and, for long-term use, bone health.
4At the end of a longer treatment, the doctor will plan the tapering deliberately so that the body's own hormone balance can re-establish itself.

How to Prepare

Inform your doctor about diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stomach problems or infections.
Bring your medication list with you, as interactions are possible.
Mention any planned vaccinations — the timing is relevant when undergoing longer-term cortisone treatment.

Side Effects & Risks

With short-term use, side effects are usually minor: such as restlessness, sleep disturbances or temporarily elevated blood sugar.
With longer-term systemic use, weight gain, high blood pressure, thinning skin, osteoporosis and increased susceptibility to infection may occur.
Cortisone-containing ointments can thin the skin if used for too long — therefore use in a targeted manner and for a limited time.
After longer-term treatment, cortisone must not be stopped abruptly, as the body must first resume its own production.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

For short treatments, special follow-up care is usually not necessary. With longer cortisone intake, regular monitoring is required; a cortisone card may be advisable. Contact the practice if you notice signs of infection such as fever, severe mood swings, visual disturbances, black stools, or if you have accidentally stopped the medication abruptly — the latter can lead to weakness, nausea and circulatory problems.

Cost & Insurance

Medically prescribed cortisone preparations are generally covered by basic insurance if they are on the specialist list — your deductible and co-payment apply as usual. The necessary follow-up examinations are also covered by basic insurance. This information is provided for guidance only; if in doubt, please ask your health insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cortisone dangerous?: When used briefly and in a targeted manner, cortisone is well tolerated and often the most effective treatment for acute inflammation. The known long-term side effects mainly concern systemic treatments lasting months — which is precisely why it is prescribed as sparingly as possible.
Does cortisone make you fat?: With longer-term systemic intake, cortisone can increase appetite and lead to fluid retention and weight gain. With short treatments or local application as an ointment or spray, this is not a relevant issue.
Why does cortisone have to be tapered?: With longer-term intake, the body reduces its own cortisone production. If the medication is stopped abruptly, the hormone is suddenly lacking — resulting in weakness, nausea and circulatory problems. Gradual reduction gives the body time to take over again on its own.
May I use cortisone-containing ointments on my face?: Only cautiously and as directed by your doctor, as facial skin is thin and sensitive. Your doctor will select a suitable, mild preparation and limit the duration of use.
Does cortisone affect vaccinations?: Longer-term systemic cortisone treatment can weaken the vaccination response, and certain vaccinations with attenuated live vaccines are then unfavourable. Therefore discuss any planned vaccinations with your doctor.