Corticosteroids

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2026 | Last updated: June 2026

Corticosteroids are medicines that calm the immune system. Because IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease – one in which the immune system harms the kidneys – corticosteroids can help lower the inflammation that damages the kidney filters and reduce the protein in your urine.1-4

The FDA-approved corticosteroid for IgA nephropathy

Budesonide (Tarpeyo®) is a delayed-release corticosteroid that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to reduce protein in the urine in adults with primary IgA nephropathy who are at risk of rapid disease progression. It is released in a targeted way that acts on immune tissue in the gut, where much of the harmful IgA is thought to be made. It has not been established whether Tarpeyo® slows the decline of kidney function.4

Systemic corticosteroids

Doctors may also use older, “systemic” corticosteroids, such as prednisone, that act on the whole body. These are sometimes used for people who remain at high risk of their disease getting worse. Systemic corticosteroids are FDA-approved for many other conditions, but not specifically for IgA nephropathy. 1,3

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What are the possible side effects?

Side effects can vary depending on the specific drug and how long you take it. For Tarpeyo®, the most common side effects include:4

  • High blood pressure
  • Swelling in the lower legs and hands
  • Muscle spasms, acne, or skin irritation
  • Weight gain, indigestion, and fatigue
  • Extra hair growth, often around the face

Because corticosteroids lower the immune response, they can also raise your risk of infections, and they may make some vaccines work less well. Serious allergic reactions can occur.4

These are not all the possible side effects of corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking a corticosteroid. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you.

Other things to know

Because corticosteroids affect your immune system, your doctor will ask about any infections and may check whether you are up to date on vaccines before you start.4

A note on how these medicines are used: Budesonide (Tarpeyo®) is FDA-approved for IgA nephropathy. Systemic corticosteroids like prednisone are not approved specifically for IgA nephropathy – a doctor may prescribe them “off-label,” meaning for a use other than their FDA-approved one, when evidence suggests they help. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.4

Before beginning treatment for IgA nephropathy, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

Talk to your doctor

Corticosteroids can be very helpful, but they need careful use because of their side effects. Your doctor can explain whether one is right for you, how long you may take it, and how to lower your risk of side effects.3,4

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.