When pleurisy or pericarditis occur, small or moderate doses of steroids are helpful. Some of the more common side effects of steroids include changes in appearance, such as acne, development of a round or moon-shaped face, and an increased appetite leading to weight gain. Steroids may also cause a redistribution of fat, leading to a swollen face and abdomen, but thin arms and legs. In some cases, the skin becomes more fragile, which leads to easy bruising. Psychological side effects of steroids include irritability, agitation, euphoria or depression.
Insomnia can also be a side effect.
These changes in appearance and mood are often more apparent with high doses of steroids. An increase in susceptibility to infections may occur with high doses of steroids. Prednisone may also aggravate diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure, and often increases cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. In children, steroids can suppress growth. Avascular necrosis of bone, usually associated with high doses of prednisone over long periods of time, produces pain, an abnormal bone scan, and an atypical X-ray appearance.