Some of the more common side effects of cortisol-like drugs include: Suddenly stopping the medication can be dangerous, so continue taking your regular dose and see your doctor if you are troubled by side effects.

inhaler – administered to treat inflammation in the lungs or sinuses.Īs cortisol acts on so many organs and tissues of the body, people treated with corticosteroids may experience unwanted side effects.injections – injecting straight into the affected joint, which prevents many of the side effects that occur with oral medication (taken by mouth).tablets – dosage varies, but is generally kept to the lowest dose possible.creams – applied to the affected areas of the skin.Where specialists use synthetic forms to treat these disorders, treatment forms include: The type of corticosteroids administered depends on the person's condition. The dose required is much lower than the other examples above. This may also occur in the management of pituitary disease. Addison's disease – an autoimmune disorder that stops the adrenal glands from making sufficient hormones, including cortisol.Ĭortisone (manufactured for use as a treatment) is used to manage rather than treat Addison's disease by replacing the cortisol naturally produced by the body.organ transplant – corticosteroids are used to inhibit the body's immune response so that a transplanted organ is not rejected.cancer – particularly cancers related to the immune system, such as leukaemia and lymphoma.inflammatory diseases – such as asthma, ulcerative colitis, lupus and some forms of arthritis.skin disorders – such as psoriasis and dermatitis.contribute to the workings of the immune system.Ī number of common conditions respond well when treated with corticosteroids (cortisol-like medications) including:.contribute to the maintenance of constant blood pressure.work in tandem with the hormone insulin to maintain constant blood sugar levels.convert protein into glucose to boost flagging blood sugar levels.If taken at high doses or for a prolonged period, this treatment can have a number of side effects, including osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and developing diabetes. Specialists sometimes use synthetic cortisol-like compounds known as corticosteroids to treat common cortisol-related disorders. Located inside the brain, the pituitary gland regulates the amount of cortisol released by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps to maintain blood pressure, immune function and the body's anti-inflammatory processes.

Cortisol is a hormone made by the two adrenal glands (one is located on each kidney) and it is essential for life.

Over productive adrenal gland