Hello, Dexamethasone and cortisone are both corticosteroids. The main difference is that mg per mg, dexamethasone is much more powerful than cortisone. The therapeutic efficacy as well as side effects are more with dexamethasone. The potential side effects of corticosteroids are many and depends on the route and dose of administration. They are common with systemic use and uncommon with local injections. Corticosteroids can decrease one s immunity so that people are more prone for infection, can worsen diabetes by increasing blood sugar. They can also produce thinning of skin, acne, moon face, weight gain, increase in blood pressure , osteoporosis and can also lead to cataract. If you have further queries, I am available to answer Dr. Noble Zachariah. If you find this answer helpful, please indicate the same to guide others with similar queries. Thanks