Just like any steroid administered systemically (meaning not topically), especially if used for a prolonged period of time, it does have a number of side effects:

- starting from inducing fluid retention (because it promotes the retention of sodium and the loss of potassium)

- Elevation in the blood sugar

- May cause some loss of muscle mass (muscle wasting)

- Peptic (stomach) ulcer, thus the need to co-administer an oral medication for stomach protection (such as ranitidine, omeprazole or the likes of those)

- Cushinoid state: whereby the face and abdominal area may become fat (the face becomes round)

- The skin may bruise easily, become thinner, and have stretch marks

- Probable elevation of the eye pressure

These side effects do not all have to happen, and if they do, they do not occur to the same degree in all people. And you need to keep in mind that all forms of medications have adverse effects, and in opting for a treatment, we always need to weigh the benefits versus the harms associated with that treatment. Always discuss your concerns with your treating physician and consult with him/her regarding measures that you need to follow to reduce the likelihood or extent of these adverse effects. So for example, you will have to abide by a low-salt, low-sugar diet during the duration of the treatment.