Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass;
new or unusual pain in your joints, bones, or muscles;
severe headaches, ringing in your ears, pain behind your eyes;
unusual changes in mood or behavior;
a seizure;
fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);
new signs of infection--such as fever, chills, cough, trouble breathing, sores in your mouth or on your skin, diarrhea, or burning when you urinate;
increased adrenal gland hormones--slow wound healing, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, tiredness, menstrual changes, sexual changes; or
decreased adrenal gland hormones--weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, menstrual changes, skin discoloration, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed.
Hydrocortisone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using  hydrocortisone.
Common side effects may include:
thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
increased sweating;
stomach bloating;
changes in your menstrual periods;
increased appetite, weight gain;
headache, dizziness; or
trouble sleeping.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
 Hydrocortisone side effects (more detail)
