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Corticosteroids

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: January 2025 | Last updated: January 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most common types of IBD. While there is no cure for IBD, drugs like corticosteroids (commonly called steroids) can help manage inflammation in the intestines. This inflammation is what triggers the symptoms of Crohn’s and UC.1

Steroids can be a useful short-term treatment for IBD flares because they work quickly to reduce inflammation. But steroids also have a high risk of side effects, so they are generally not used for more than a few months at a time.1-3

Steroids used to treat the inflammation of IBD are not the same as bodybuilding (anabolic) steroids.3

How do steroids work to treat IBD?

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation all over the body, including in the intestines. These drugs improve IBD symptoms by suppressing the immune system (making it less active). Steroids are an old group of drugs that have been used since the 1950s to treat IBD.3,4

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Most people notice their symptoms improving within days after starting a steroid. But up to 1 in 3 people do not respond to steroids. Steroids are not useful to maintain remission and should not be prescribed long-term. Because they are effective quickly, they are often prescribed in flares of IBD to help manage symptoms immediately before long-term control drugs have time to take effect.3,4

Examples of steroids used to treat IBD

Corticosteroids used to treat Crohn’s disease and UC include:2

  • Budesonide (Uceris®)
  • Prednisone
  • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol Dosepak®, Solu-Medrol®)
  • Prednisolone (Pediapred®)

These drugs may be given as a pill, a suppository, enema, or an injection, depending on the prescription.1,5

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects can vary depending on the specific steroid you are taking and how long you have taken it.3

Since steroids make the immune system less active, people taking these drugs may catch infections more easily. Yeast infections in the mouth and throat (thrush), yeast infections of the female reproductive tract, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common.1

Other common side effects of corticosteroids include:3,4

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar (diabetes)
  • Weight gain and stretch marks
  • Acne
  • Rounding of the face (moon face)
  • More facial hair
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Mood swings and mental health issues (psychosis)
  • Blood clots
  • Weak bones (osteoporosis)
  • Vision changes and cataracts
  • Dependency
  • Growth changes in children

These are not all the possible side effects of corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking steroids. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking steroids.

Other things to know

People taking budesonide should avoid grapefruit juice and a group of drugs called cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (including drugs like ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, and ketoconazole).3

Before beginning treatment for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

Other drugs that may be prescribed for IBD include:1,3

  • Immunomodulators
  • Antibiotics
  • Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs)