This type of medication is often used in the treatment of several different kinds of cancers and other diseases.

Don't confuse this kind of steroid with the illegal, anabolic type that have been used to bulk muscles!

Your body normally produces a natural form of steroid called cortisol. You will make less cortisol while you're taking steroid medication. This is why you always taper off this medication - so you own body starts making the normal amounts of cortisol again. Commonly used steroids:

Prednisone
Taken by mouth

Methylprednisolone
(Solumedral)
Taken through IV

Hydrocortisone
Taken through IV, by mouth, or in a cream for the skin

Cortisone
Taken by injection into the muscle

• Common side effects:
  · Increased appetite
  · Weight gain
  · Mood swings
  · Fullness in cheeks
  · High blood pressure
  · Stomach upset or ulcers
  · Osteoporosis (weakens bones)