Most children with leukemia require therapy with steroid medications at intervals throughout treatment. Prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and others in this category can cause many unpleasant side effects, including fluid retention, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, cataracts, and loss of bone mass. Most children and teens have profound mood swings and are very emotional when taking high-dose steroids. For more information about steroids, see Chapter 13, Chemotherapy and Other Medications.