How many cortisone shots are safe in a year?
Michael King
Updated on February 25, 2026
In general, you shouldn't get cortisone injections more often than every six weeks and usually not more than three or four times a year.
How many cortisone shots are safe in a lifetime?
You can only have three cortisone injections in a lifetimeGenerally, if the first injection doesn't work, the second and third probably won't either. Moreover, you should limit yourself to 2-3 injections in one area over 3-6 months.
How many steroid injections can you have in a year?
There is evidence that having too many steroid injections into the same area can cause damage to the tissue inside the body. Your doctor will probably recommend you don't have more than three steroid injections into the same part of the body within a year.What is the downside of cortisone shots?
The DownsidesAccording to the National Institutes of Health, the side effects from cortisone shots include: Dizziness or headaches. Skin issues, including dryness, thinness, acne, dry skin, and red or purple blotches. Fatigue and trouble sleeping.