Side effects of steroids: relapses

Flare-ups, also known as relapses, are most commonly treated with a short course of steroid therapy. Flare-ups are caused by swelling and inflammation around myelin plaques. These drugs are synthetic versions of a hormone (cortisone) produced by the body that reduces inflammation. They do not change the course of the disease but can speed up recovery after an attack.

Synthetic steroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone, can be used to shorten the length and severity of an attack. Steroids are usually given through the vein (intravenously) over a period of a few days. In some cases, the physician may then switch to a form that is taken by mouth, slowly lowering the dosage of steroids over several days; in other cases the physician may just prescribe the oral form.

Although there are few side effects associated with the customary short-term use of steroids, some people may experience the following side effects when steroids are taken continuously:
Increased appetite

Mental changes
Bloating
Acne
Headache
Insomnia
Muscle weakness
Bone loss
Greater susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
A rounded, puffy face, referred to as a "moon face"
Changes in blood sugar
Stomach ulcers
Changes in blood potassium levels