These include increased facial hair growth, thinning of scalp hair, easy bruising and weight gain. However, other side-effects are serious and potentially irreversible. Other side-effects are potentially serious but reversible when the cortisone is stopped. These side-effects are more likely to occur when large doses of cortisone are used. Cortisone hinders the body s ability to fight infection even when antibiotics are used.
Avascular necrosis is rare but when present causes severe joint and bone pain.
It most often affects the hips and shoulders but can involve other joints as well. In its most advanced stage, avascular necrosis is irreversible and sometimes crippling. The likelihood of getting side-effects from cortisone depends upon how long it is taken and the size of the dose. In addition, some persons are simply more susceptible to side-effects from medications, including the cortisone drugs. The opinion about what constitutes a low dose of cortisone varies from physician to physician.