Overview
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone, methylprednisolone and injected triamcinolone) are strong anti-inflammatory medicines. They can calm a flare quickly and are often used as a bridge while slower DMARDs start working.
Because long-term use has side effects, the goal is usually the lowest dose for the shortest time.
Watch and learn
Video: “What Makes Corticosteroids so Beneficial? | Johns Hopkins” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Mayo Clinic Minute: Benefits and risks of corticosteroid shots” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
How it is used
- By mouth for short courses or low doses
- Injected into a single inflamed joint
- Given by vein (IV) in some serious flares or organ involvement
Who it may be for
- Flares of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis and other conditions
- Gout flares
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis
Monitoring and safety
Long-term use may require bone density testing, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Do not stop steroids suddenly after long use; your physician will taper them.
Possible side effects
- Higher blood sugar and blood pressure
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
- Weight gain, mood or sleep changes
- Infection risk, cataracts and glaucoma with long-term use
Do not start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I stop steroids suddenly?
After weeks of use your body needs time to restart its own hormone production.
How many joint injections can I have?
Usually spaced several months apart; your physician will advise.
Are these the same as bodybuilding steroids?
No. These are corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.