What are the long-term effects of steroids (ACTH and other cortisone-like drugs)?
Side effects of steroids include reversible cosmetic ones such as fluid retention, facial fullness, easy bruising, and acne. More serious but significantly less common ones are peptic ulcer, high blood pressure, psychiatric disturbance, osteoporosis, cataracts, and avascular necrosis of the joints. The vast majority of these complications improve or resolve with the reduction or stopping of the steroids. Furthermore, these side effects are usually seen only with prolonged use of high dosages.
