What is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy?

Corticosteroid therapy is commonly associated with weight gain, which occurs for several reasons. First, corticosteroids can lead to increased appetite, resulting in higher caloric intake. Additionally, they can cause fluid retention and alter the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, contributing to weight gain. This effect can become significant with both short-term and long-term use of corticosteroids.

Understanding why weight gain is a common side effect helps in managing patient expectations and potential complications. Monitoring the weight of patients on corticosteroid therapy is essential to identify any significant changes early on. This enables healthcare providers to implement strategies to mitigate weight gain, such as dietary modifications and increasing physical activity, which can help maintain the overall health of the patient while they are on corticosteroids.

In contrast to weight gain, hypotension is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy; instead, corticosteroids can sometimes lead to increased blood pressure. Increased muscle strength is not a recognized effect; in fact, long-term use might lead to muscle weakness due to the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids. Similarly, the immune response is generally suppressed instead of enhanced, as corticosteroids are often used to manage inflammation and autoimmune conditions by dampening the immune system.