Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Changes in mood

Increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)

Weight gain

Decreased functioning of the adrenal gland (adrenal suppression)

Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)

Ulceration of the stomach or intestine

Increased susceptibility to infections

Acne

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Increased risk of fractures of the bones

Increased hair growth (hirsutism)

Skin thinning

Supression of growth in children and adolescents

Initial flare up of condition following joint injection

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

The following medicines may increase the effects of corticosteroids:- - antifungals e.g. itraconazole and ketoconazole - oral contraceptives - antibiotics e.g. erythromycin The following medicines may increase the removal of corticosteroids from the body, thus reducing their effects:- - antiepileptics e.g. carbamazepine and phenytoin - barbituates e.g. phenobarbitone - rifampicin - aminoglutethimide When taken with carbenoxolone, amphotericin or diuretics e.g. frusemide, there is an increased risk of low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia). When taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. indomethacin, there is an increased risk of adverse effects on the gut, such as stomach ulceration and bleeding. The blood levels of salicylates e.g. aspirin, are decreased by corticosteroids and therefore may increase to excessive levels once the corticosteroid is stopped. Corticosteroids may oppose the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure as they may cause retention of salt and water. As corticosteroids may increase blood sugar, they can oppose the blood sugar lowering effects of antidiabetic medicines. Live vaccines should not be administered to people taking corticosteroids, as their normal immune response is reduced and giving a live vaccine may therefore result in infection rather than the production of antibodies. When taken with ciclosporin (cyclosporin) the blood level of either medicine may be increased. This medicine may reverse the action of medicines used in surgery to relax the muscles (neuromuscular blockers).

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Depo-Medrone

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