These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Cortisone
Question: Is it safe to take Cortisone if one is thinking of becoming pregnant?
Answer: Cortisone is a steroid hormone naturally produced by one’s adrenal glands. Taking cortisone as a replacement hormone is usually not attended by any risks to the embryo. However, most people take cortisone (or simialr drugs such as Prednisone) in higher than repalcement doses to treat different medical conditions such as asthma, lupus erythematosus, or other diseases. Long term use of steroids during pregnancy can affect the baby and suppress that adrenal function of the baby. Other side effects are theorized, but are rarely seen. We usually counsel women to take as little cortisone or other steroids during pregnancy as possible. However, often the use of steroids is critical to ensure the health of the mother and we think that her overall health is generally more important than any individual drug. If the peditrician is aware of steroid use by the mother problems after birth can usually be avoided. The adrenal glands in the child will usually develop normally after birth.
