Patients should not take corticosteroid drugs if they have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). A disease in which the body cannot adequately process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Some types of corticosteroids affect blood glucose control.
  
  
• Cirrhosis. Disease of the liver. Inhaled corticosteroids may have a stronger effect on individuals with this condition.
  
  
• Liver disease. Corticosteroids may not be eliminated from the body at the usual rate when used with this condition.
  
  
• Glaucoma. A group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It typically involves gradually increased pressure inside the eye. Corticosteroids can cause the pressure in the eye to further increase.
  
  
• Hypothyroidism. Decreased production of thyroid hormone. Inhaled corticosteroids may have a stronger effect in individuals with this condition.
  
  
• Myasthenia gravis. A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Muscle weakness caused by this condition could be exacerbated by corticosteroids.
  
  
• Infections. When left untreated, corticosteroids can cause infections to worsen. Patients taking corticosteroids should contact their physician if fever or any other signs or symptoms of infection develop.
  
  
• Osteoporosis. A disorder in which the bones lose mass and density. High doses of inhaled corticosteroids can cause this condition to worsen in women who are past menopause and not receiving estrogen treatments.
  
  
• Chickenpox or measles. Contagious skin diseases that can spread to other parts of the body. Using corticosteroids can cause unusually severe infections in those exposed to these diseases. It can also lead to a fatal course. As a result, patients should inform their physician immediately if they suspect an infection with these diseases while on corticosteroids of any kind.
  
  
• Tuberculosis. Infectious bacterial disease. Corticosteroid use can cause infections to return in individuals with a history of tuberculosis.
  
  
• Strongyloides. Worm infestation. Corticosteroids can cause the condition to heal slower or worsen the existing infection.
  
  
• Amebiasis. Infection from an amoeba (one–celled organism). Some types of nasal corticosteroids worsen this condition.
  
  
• Psychosis. A mental condition that causes people to lose touch with reality. This disorder can be made worse by using corticosteroids.
  
  
• Weak heart (weakened heart muscle) or heart disease. Some types of corticosteroids can worsen these conditions.
  
  
• Kidney disease or kidney stones. Treatment of these conditions (particularly dialysis) can be disrupted by the excess water retention common when using corticosteroids.
  
  
• High blood pressure. Corticosteroids can exacerbate this condition by causing the body to retain extra water.
  
  
• AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Viral disease that weakens the immune system. Corticosteroids can interfere with the treatment of this condition.
  
  
• Stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis or intestinal problem. Corticosteroids can mask the symptoms of a serious stomach or intestinal condition.
  
  
• High cholesterol. Corticosteroids can increase blood cholesterol levels.