Cortisone

Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, use of these drugs in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential requires that the anticipated benefits be weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other unwanted effects. Mothers taking pharmacologic doses of corticosteroids should be advised not to nurse.

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances: Sodium retention, Fluid retention, Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension

Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness, Steroid myopathy, Loss of muscle mass, Osteoporosis, Vertebral compression fractures, Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Pathologic fracture of long bones, Tendon rupture

Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, Perforation of the small and large bowel, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, Pancreatitis Abdominal distention Ulcerative esophagitis

Dermatologic: Impaired wound healing, Thin fragile skin, Petechiae and ecchymoses, Erythema, Increased sweating, May suppress reactions to skin tests

Other cutaneous reactions, such as allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema

Neurologic: Convulsions, Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerbri) usually after treatment, Vertigo, Headache, Psychic disturbances

Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities, Development of cushingoid state, Suppression of growth in children, Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness, Decreased carbohydrate tolerance, Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics, Hirsutism

Ophthalmic: Posterior subcapsular cataracts Increased intraocular pressure, Glaucoma, Exophthalmos

Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Cardiovascular: Myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarctions (see WARNINGS).

Other: Hypersensitivity, Thromboembolism, Weight gain, Increased appetite, Nausea, Malaise