Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system to raise the platelet count. Treatment is normally administered in the form of an oral tablet with the dosage determined by your medical professional.

The common side effects while taking this treatment include:

• Salt retention resulting in swelling
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Moon face
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Heightened and exaggerated moods including depression
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia
• High blood sugar

Long-term side effects also include:

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Increased risk of infection
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)

Some of the side effects listed above will stop and things will go back to normal after corticosteroid treatment is tapered and stopped, whereas others can be long-term problems.