Can Cortisone Injection Be Taken While Having Stage-4 Kidney Disease?

Posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2017

Question: I have stage 3-4 kidney disease. I had a cortisone shot today. Will that damage my kidneys further?

Answered by Dr. Rudina Balliu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hello ! Thank you for using Health Care Magic .
I have gone through your question and I understand your concern.
Cortisone shots will not damage your kidney further (unlikely, in contrary will help)In your case with kidney dissease the best way to treat knee problem (pain inflammation )is to inject cortisone shots directly to your knee.

Hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if you have any further clarifications, I will be happy to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Rudina Balliu (17 hours later)

Dear Dr. Balliu-
Thank you for your response to my question. I do apologize though that I did not give you full details on my health. I also have diabetes which is under control - A1C is 6.1. Because of the cortisone shot my blood sugars have gone way out of control. I take extra insulin to try to combat the increase. Will my blood sugars get back to normal? The readings are better today but still a little high even with the extra insulin. I check my blood sugars every 2 hours.

Answered by Dr. Rudina Balliu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for your information. Im sorry for my late reply , it was night time for me when you wrote the follow up.
You have your blood sugar in control with the 6.1level of HbA1C .
Yes your blood sugar will be back as it was before you took steroid shot.
The changes in blood sugar levels were induced by steroid( cortisone), so today ( the day after the cortisone shot) your blood glucose levels will start to decrease (as you can also notice ,the reading is better today) until gets back to the levels you had before (normal values) in few days .
So keep monitoring you blood sugar take the insulin as your treating doctor recommend.

My opinion about your kidney stay the same.

When the levels are back to normal and you will not take more cortisone shots in some weeks ,you need to be carefull about the exsta insulin for possible hypoglicemia (low blood sugar),your treating doctor will advice you what to do according to your blood sugar .

Hope I have answered your question.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng