What is a significant side effect of glucocorticoid use that requires monitoring?

A significant side effect of glucocorticoid use that requires careful monitoring is hypertension. Glucocorticoids, which are a class of steroids, can lead to fluid retention, increased blood volume, and alterations in blood vessel reactivity, all of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Chronic use of glucocorticoids can therefore increase the risk of developing hypertension, which is a serious condition that can lead to cardiovascular issues.

It's important to monitor blood pressure in patients who are on glucocorticoid therapy to detect any increases early and manage them accordingly. This is especially critical in patients with a history of hypertension or those who are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Monitoring allows healthcare providers to make necessary adjustments to medication or implement lifestyle changes to mitigate this risk.

Other side effects like weight loss, diarrhea, or excessive thirst are usually less common with glucocorticoid therapy and may not necessitate as close monitoring as hypertension. In fact, glucocorticoids are more commonly associated with weight gain rather than loss, and while they can affect gastrointestinal function, they typically do not cause significant diarrhea. Excessive thirst can occur but is not a primary concern relative to the potential for hypertension with glucocorticoid