What it means
A natural steroid made by the adrenal glands and an early steroid drug. As a medicine it has mostly been replaced by others such as hydrocortisone and prednisone. People often say "cortisone shot" for any steroid injected into a joint, even though a different steroid is usually used. Long-term steroid use causes high blood glucose, weight gain, thin bones and a higher risk of infection.
For the nurse
Teach clients on long-term steroids not to stop suddenly, because their own adrenal glands may not be making enough hormone; doses are tapered.
At a glance
| Drug class | corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | cortisona |
Related terms
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
adrenocorticotropic hormone
A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.