With long-term use prednisone the feared side-effects include Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. Other side effects concerned with the short-term use include fluid retention, weight gain and psychological disorder. All these and much more is described below in detail.
Although Prednisone is available in many branded formulations but universally it is referred by its genetic name. Prednisone is available in many oral doses. Prednisone is basically steroid. It has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system. For this reason it has become a commonly used corticosteroid medication.
The name corticosteroid gets its name because they are natural steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. They are also called glucosteroids. A major side effects of Prednisone is the elevation of sugars level in blood. Other problems which arise when treated with Prednisone include severe allergic reactions, asthma, and disorders like systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
There are many short-term side-effects that come with the use of Prednisone. Fluid retention in ankles is reported by a number of patients. Sometimes it spreads all over. Agitation, anxiety and nervousness are common side-effects caused by Prednisone. Sometimes insomnia occurs as a psychological side-effect. Elevation of blood sugar levels causes diabetes in patients. Prednisone causes the suppression of immune system. This disorder is directly related to the mechanism of use. It leads to delayed healing of pen wounds. Other occasionally seen side effects include gastritis, acid dyspepsia and peptic ulcers.
The long-term side effects are less common as compared to the short-term effects. When used for longer periods Prednisone is universally known to cause adrenal insufficiency and chronic auto immune conditions. The adrenal glands ability of cortisol production is suppressed by long-term use of Prednisone. This is a life threatening condition, especially when a trauma or stress like pneumonia or physical trauma or major surgery occurs. A Prednisone taper is recommended with a long-term Prednisone use for allowing adrenal system regaining its capacity.
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition which occurs with the long-term use of Prednisone. It may lead to severe Prednisone side-effects. They include bone density less, weight gain, a fat deposition on upper back called a buffalo hump, moon shaped face, thinned skin that bruises easily, facial & body hair growth and stretch marks on torso and legs. Other problems include serious opportunistic and immunosuppression infections, very high blood sugars, steroid psychosis, onset of diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal peptic ulcers, pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, steroid myopathy, glaucoma, high blood pressure, ruptured tendons, and congestive heart failure.
Prednisone is considered safe to be used during pregnancy.
Prednisone use is contradicted with any of the live vaccines like the vaccine for influenza virus, live BCG vaccine and smallpox vaccine. Other strong contradictions of Prednisone include adesleukin and Mifepristone.
Tuberculosis is a latent infection which a potentially allow reactivation by immunosuppression of prednisone. Mifepristone use should be avoided if a person has a history of positive PPD. Another contradiction to the use of Prednisone is having a steroid psychosis history. A diabetic patient must use special monitoring with Prednisone use.