Adverse Effects Of Prednisone
Common Side Effects
- Skin⁚ acne, increased sweating, dry skin
- Mood⁚ sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes
- Appetite and Weight⁚ increased appetite, gradual weight gain
Short-Term
Short-term side effects of prednisone typically occur within the first few weeks of treatment and may include⁚
- Skin⁚ acne, increased sweating, dry skin
- Mood⁚ sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes
- Appetite and Weight⁚ increased appetite, gradual weight gain
- Stomach upset⁚ nausea, vomiting, heartburn
- Electrolyte imbalances⁚ fluid retention, high blood pressure
- Fatigue
These side effects are usually mild and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Skin
Prednisone can cause a number of skin side effects, including⁚
- Acne
- Increased sweating
- Dry skin
- Skin thinning
- Bruising
- Stretch marks
- Changes in skin color
These side effects are usually mild and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience any severe or persistent skin side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Prednisone can also worsen certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea. If you have any history of skin problems, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting prednisone.
Mood
Prednisone can also affect your mood, causing a range of symptoms, including⁚
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Mania
These side effects are usually mild and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience any severe or persistent mood changes, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Prednisone can also worsen certain mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. If you have any history of mental health problems, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting prednisone.
Appetite and Weight
Prednisone can also affect your appetite and weight, causing a range of symptoms, including⁚
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Swelling in the face and extremities
These side effects are usually mild and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication; However, if you experience any severe or persistent changes in your appetite or weight, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Prednisone can also increase your risk of developing certain weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you have any history of weight problems, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting prednisone.
Long-Term
- Adrenal suppression
- Cushingoid state
- Hyperglycemia
Adrenal Suppression
Adrenal suppression is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a vital hormone that helps the body respond to stress, regulate blood sugar levels, and maintain blood pressure. Prednisone can suppress the production of cortisol, leading to a number of health problems, including⁚
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalances
In severe cases, adrenal suppression can be life-threatening. If you are taking prednisone for an extended period of time, your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of adrenal suppression.
Adrenal suppression is usually reversible once prednisone is stopped. However, it can take several months or even years for the adrenal glands to fully recover.
Cushingoid State
Cushingoid state is a condition that resembles Cushing’s syndrome, a disorder caused by excessive production of the hormone cortisol. Prednisone can cause Cushingoid state by suppressing the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Cushingoid state include⁚
- Weight gain, especially in the face, neck, and trunk
- Rounded face (moon face)
- Thin arms and legs
- Buffalo hump (fat deposit between the shoulders)
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Easy bruising
- Stretch marks
Cushingoid state can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Cushingoid state is usually reversible once prednisone is stopped. However, it can take several months or even years for the body to fully recover.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Prednisone can cause hyperglycemia by increasing the production of glucose by the liver and decreasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin, the hormone that helps glucose enter cells. Hyperglycemia can lead to a number of health problems, including⁚
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
In severe cases, hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.
Hyperglycemia is usually reversible once prednisone is stopped. However, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely while taking prednisone.
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to prednisone are rare, but they can be serious. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include⁚
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include⁚
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction to prednisone, seek medical attention immediately.
Infection
Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. This can lead to an increased risk of developing infections, including⁚
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Fungal infections
- Opportunistic infections
Opportunistic infections are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system. These infections can be serious and even life-threatening.
The risk of infection is highest in people who are taking high doses of prednisone for an extended period of time. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection and to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect that you may have an infection.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. Prednisone can cause osteoporosis by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This can lead to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is a particular concern for people who are taking high doses of prednisone for an extended period of time.
Symptoms of osteoporosis may include⁚
- Back pain
- Loss of height
- Bone fractures
Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated with medication and lifestyle changes. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis and to take steps to protect your bone health.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Prednisone can increase the risk of developing cataracts, especially in people who are taking high doses of the medication for an extended period of time.
Symptoms of cataracts may include⁚
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
Cataracts can be treated with surgery. However, surgery is not always necessary and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Other Side Effects
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Stomach upset
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Changes in skin color
Electrolyte Imbalances
Prednisone can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to a number of health problems. Electrolytes are minerals that are found in the body’s fluids. They play an important role in many bodily functions, such as regulating blood pressure, heart rhythm, and muscle function.
Prednisone can cause electrolyte imbalances by increasing the excretion of potassium and magnesium in the urine. This can lead to low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood.
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalances may include⁚
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures
Electrolyte imbalances can be serious, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Stomach Upset
Prednisone can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; These side effects are usually mild and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent stomach upset, it is important to talk to your doctor.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of stomach upset from prednisone, including⁚
- Take prednisone with food.
- Avoid taking prednisone on an empty stomach.
- Take antacids to help reduce stomach acid.
If you experience severe or persistent stomach upset from prednisone, your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different medication or that you take prednisone with a different medication to help reduce stomach upset.
Fatigue
Prednisone can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy. Fatigue is a common side effect of prednisone, especially when it is taken in high doses or for a long period of time.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce fatigue from prednisone, including⁚
- Get regular exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
If you experience severe or persistent fatigue from prednisone, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Low blood pressure
Prednisone can cause low blood pressure, which is a condition in which the blood pressure is lower than normal. Low blood pressure can cause a number of symptoms, including⁚
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Low blood pressure can be dangerous, especially if it is severe. If you experience any symptoms of low blood pressure, it is important to talk to your doctor.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent low blood pressure from prednisone, including⁚
If you experience severe or persistent low blood pressure from prednisone, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking the medication or that you take a different medication to help raise your blood pressure.
Weight loss
Prednisone can cause weight loss, especially when it is taken in high doses or for a long period of time. Weight loss from prednisone is usually due to a combination of factors, including⁚
- Increased appetite
- Increased metabolism
- Fluid retention
If you experience significant weight loss from prednisone, it is important to talk to your doctor.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent weight loss from prednisone, including⁚
If you experience severe or persistent weight loss from prednisone, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking the medication or that you take a different medication to help you gain weight.
Changes in skin color
Prednisone can cause changes in skin color, including darkening of the skin, lightening of the skin, and the development of stretch marks. These changes are usually mild and will improve once you stop taking prednisone. However, if you experience severe or persistent changes in skin color, it is important to talk to your doctor.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent changes in skin color from prednisone, including⁚
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Use sunscreen.
- Moisturize your skin regularly.
If you experience severe or persistent changes in skin color from prednisone, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking the medication or that you take a different medication to help improve your skin color.