Undesirable effects
The adverse effects of cortisone are directly related to the desired effects. Because cortisone interferes with the sugar, protein and bone metabolism as well as with the body’s water balance, the intake of high doses of cortisone over a longer period of time can, for example, lead to permanently elevated blood sugar levels or bone loss (osteoporosis). Likewise, signs of Cushing’s disease can be an undesirable effect of cortisone, such as a full moon face, a fatty trunk or muscle weakness.
To prevent these side effects, a dosage of cortisone has been determined (so-called Cushing’s threshold), up to which the occurrence of Cushing’s syndrome is highly unlikely. In addition, cortisone weakens the immune system, which prevents the defence reactions against germs and makes infections easier. The administration of cortisone by medication also disrupts the hormonal control circuit of the formation of the body’s own cortisone.
For this reason, therapy with cortisone should never be suddenly discontinued. Instead, the body should be given time to adjust by slowly reducing the dose in order to produce sufficient cortisone again. The simultaneous intake of alcohol, especially in larger quantities, can increase the effect of cortisone and thus also lead to more side effects (see: Cortisone and alcohol – is it tolerated?).
