hmmm I was on predisone as a child until my teen years (that's a long time) cortisone is still one med I can take, but because of the history with me, it is a last resort now.

here's what I found:
Safety:

Cortisone has effects on the entire body; those that are not desired are called side effects. When Prednisone is used to treat a skin condition, the purpose is almost always to alleviate pain and suffering and not as a life-saving intervention. If you do not think the side effects are worth the risk, then you should not take internal steroids.
<font color="blue">Cortisones are remarkably safe for most people when used for brief periods of several weeks or less. Some people taking cortisones for short periods have no unpleasant side effects; however, disturbances of sleep patterns and increased appetite are common. Others will notice weight gain resulting from fluid retention or changes in mood--usually nervousness, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Sometimes, there is indigestion. These side effects are usually minor, and disappear after your physician stops the cortisone. If you're having troublesome side effects, please contact me.
CAUTION: Internal cortisones increase blood sugar and blood pressure. They may worsen diabetes and hypertension. If you are being treated for diabetes or hypertension, please inform me. Internal cortisones may also worsen or activate peptic ulcers; please tell me if you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer. In order to help prevent an ulcer from forming while on cortisone, one should take Tums three times a day.
<font color="green">Unfortunately, when cortisones are used for many months or years, serious side effects are common. Consequently, we use long-term cortisone treatment only when a disease threatens or seriously disturbs a patient's life.
When cortisones are take daily for long periods of time, the skin can thin and bruise very easily. Daily application of alpha hydroxyacids can help to lessen this side effect.
There have been rare cases of people becoming psychotic (agitated and having hallucinations) or depressed while on short treatments of Prednisone.
There also are cases of people developing osteonecrosis of the hip while on short-term Prednisone. This complication can only be treated by total hip replacement (a major operation).
People with glaucoma should not take Prednisone without asking their eye doctor. Prednisone can cause glaucoma to occur in people who have never had it before.