Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Side effects associated with the gastrointestinal system include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and heartburn․

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of prednisone, and it can range from mild to severe․ It is often accompanied by vomiting, and it can make it difficult to eat and drink․ Nausea can be caused by the direct effects of prednisone on the stomach and intestines, or it can be a side effect of other prednisone-related side effects, such as increased stomach acid production or decreased appetite․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve nausea, including eating small, frequent meals, avoiding foods that are high in fat or acid, and drinking plenty of fluids․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control nausea․

Vomiting

Vomiting is a more severe side effect of prednisone than nausea, and it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance․ It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and to eat small, frequent meals to avoid upsetting the stomach․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control vomiting․

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a common side effect of prednisone, and it can lead to weight loss and malnutrition․ It is important to try to eat a healthy diet, even if you do not feel hungry․ Eating small, frequent meals can help to reduce nausea and vomiting, and it can also help to maintain your weight․ If you are having difficulty eating, you may want to talk to your doctor about medication to help stimulate your appetite․

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can be caused by prednisone․ It is often worse after eating or lying down․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve heartburn, including eating small, frequent meals, avoiding foods that are high in fat or acid, and drinking plenty of fluids․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control heartburn․

Trouble sleeping

Prednisone can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep․ This can be due to the stimulating effects of prednisone, or it can be a side effect of other prednisone-related side effects, such as pain or discomfort․ There are a number of things that can be done to help improve sleep, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine․

Increased sweating

Prednisone can cause increased sweating, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing․ There are a number of things that can be done to help reduce sweating, including wearing loose, breathable clothing, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and using a deodorant or antiperspirant․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control sweating․

Acne

Prednisone can cause acne, which can be a frustrating and embarrassing side effect․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat acne, including washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, using a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, and avoiding touching your face․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control acne․

Metabolic Side Effects

Metabolic side effects of prednisone include kidney failure, increased blood sugar levels, and weight gain․

Kidney failure

Prednisone can cause kidney failure, which is a serious condition that can lead to death․ Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood․ This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the blood, which can damage other organs and tissues․ Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and swelling in the hands and feet․ Treatment for kidney failure includes dialysis and kidney transplant․

Increased blood sugar levels

Prednisone can cause increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes․ Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin․ Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells․ When blood sugar levels are too high, it can damage the blood vessels and organs․ Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss․ Treatment for diabetes includes diet, exercise, and medication․

Weight gain

Prednisone can cause weight gain, which can be a frustrating and embarrassing side effect․ Weight gain occurs when the body stores excess calories as fat․ This can be due to the increased appetite that prednisone can cause, or it can be a side effect of other prednisone-related side effects, such as fluid retention․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and manage weight gain, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding sugary drinks․

Musculoskeletal Side Effects

Musculoskeletal side effects of prednisone include muscle pain, weakness, and weight loss․

Muscle pain

Prednisone can cause muscle pain, which can be a debilitating side effect․ Muscle pain can occur anywhere in the body, and it can range from mild to severe․ It is often worse after exercise or activity․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve muscle pain, including rest, ice, and heat․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control muscle pain․

Weakness

Prednisone can cause weakness, which can make it difficult to perform everyday activities․ Weakness can occur in the muscles of the arms, legs, or trunk․ It can be worse after exercise or activity․ There are a number of things that can be done to help improve weakness, including rest, exercise, and nutrition․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control weakness․

Weight loss

Prednisone can cause weight loss, which can be a serious side effect․ Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than it consumes․ This can be due to the increased metabolism that prednisone can cause, or it can be a side effect of other prednisone-related side effects, such as decreased appetite․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and manage weight loss, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding sugary drinks․

Neurological Side Effects

Neurological side effects of prednisone include headache, tiredness, and dizziness․

Headache

Prednisone can cause headaches, which can be a nuisance and interfere with daily activities․ Headaches can range from mild to severe, and they can occur at any time of day or night․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve headaches, including rest, relaxation techniques, and over-the-counter pain relievers․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control headaches․

Tiredness

Prednisone can cause tiredness, which can make it difficult to perform everyday activities․ Tiredness can range from mild to severe, and it can occur at any time of day or night․ There are a number of things that can be done to help improve tiredness, including rest, relaxation techniques, and exercise․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control tiredness․

Dizziness

Prednisone can cause dizziness, which can be a dangerous side effect․ Dizziness can occur at any time of day or night, and it can range from mild to severe․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve dizziness, including rest, relaxation techniques, and avoiding sudden movements․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control dizziness․

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Cardiovascular side effects of prednisone include low blood pressure and stomachache․

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Prednisone can cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and other problems․ Low blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure drops below normal levels․ This can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, blood loss, and certain medications․ Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting․ Treatment for low blood pressure includes drinking fluids, eating salty snacks, and lying down with the feet elevated․

Stomachache

Prednisone can cause stomachaches, which can be a nuisance and interfere with daily activities․ Stomachaches can range from mild to severe, and they can occur at any time of day or night․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve stomachaches, including rest, relaxation techniques, and over-the-counter pain relievers․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control stomachaches․

Other Side Effects

Other side effects of prednisone include skin thinning, loss of color in the skin, intense pain, fatigue, changes in skin color, mouth sores, trouble urinating, and bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine․

Skin thinning

Prednisone can cause skin thinning, which can make the skin more fragile and susceptible to damage․ Skin thinning can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the face, neck, and hands․ Symptoms of skin thinning include easy bruising, cuts that take a long time to heal, and a wrinkled or crepey appearance․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat skin thinning, including using sunscreen, avoiding harsh chemicals, and moisturizing regularly․

Loss of color in the skin

Prednisone can cause loss of color in the skin, which can be a side effect of the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties․ Loss of color can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the face, neck, and hands․ Symptoms of loss of color include a pale or white appearance, and a lack of pigmentation․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat loss of color in the skin, including using sunscreen, avoiding harsh chemicals, and moisturizing regularly․

Intense pain (post-injection flare)

Prednisone can cause intense pain at the injection site, which is known as a post-injection flare․ This pain can range from mild to severe, and it can last for several days․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve the pain, including applying ice to the injection site, taking pain medication, and resting․ In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to control the pain․

Fatigue

Prednisone can cause fatigue, which can make it difficult to perform everyday activities․ Fatigue can range from mild to severe, and it can occur at any time of day or night․ There are a number of things that can be done to help improve fatigue, including rest, relaxation techniques, and exercise․ In some cases, medication may be necessary to control fatigue․

Changes in skin color

Prednisone can cause changes in skin color, which can range from mild to severe․ These changes can include darkening of the skin, lightening of the skin, or a combination of both․ Changes in skin color can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, and hands․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat changes in skin color, including using sunscreen, avoiding harsh chemicals, and moisturizing regularly․

Mouth sores

Prednisone can cause mouth sores, which can be painful and interfere with eating and drinking․ Mouth sores can occur anywhere in the mouth, but they are most common on the inside of the cheeks and lips․ Symptoms of mouth sores include pain, redness, and swelling․ There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat mouth sores, including using a soft toothbrush, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and rinsing the mouth with salt water․

Trouble urinating, pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination

Prednisone can cause trouble urinating, pain or burning during urination, a constant urge to urinate, or frequent urination․ These symptoms can be caused by the anti-inflammatory effects of prednisone, which can lead to fluid retention and increased urine production․ There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve these symptoms, including drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and using a heating pad to the lower abdomen․

Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine, or black, tarry stools

Prednisone can cause bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine, or black, tarry stools․ These symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding․ If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately․