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What are the possible adverse effects of prednisone?

This article is based on Human patients. And research shows that Prednisone use in Dogs may have similar effects.

Adverse side effects do not occur in all patients and are usually related to the amount and length of time prednisone is used. Potential adverse effects will be monitored by your physician and include:

·        Insomnia and mood changes. Euphoria or depression may occur. The cause is uncertain. It is best to take prednisone in the morning to reduce the chances of insomnia at night.

·        Increased appetite and weight gain. Prednisone increases your appetite. Follow a diet to maintain your weight. Develop an eating schedule and stick to it. If you eat when you feel hungry, you will be eating all the time.

·        Susceptibility to infections. Prednisone slightly decreases your resistance to infection. Avoid individuals with infectious illnesses if possible. Notify your physician if you develop persistent signs of an infection.

·        Stomach upset (indigestion, stomach burning or ulcer). Prednisone may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Take prednisone with meals, milk or antacids. Do not take on an empty stomach.

·        Fluid retention. Prednisone can cause you to retain fluid. Your physician will monitor this process. Fluid retention can be caused by sodium retention and potassium depletion through frequent urination. A salt-restricted/potassium-rich diet may help reduce fluid retention.

·        Hypertension. Prednisone may cause a rise in blood pressure. Your physician can treat this, if necessary.

·        Skin changes. Prednisone can cause a change in the condition of your skin. You may notice that your skin bruises more easily, or that wounds take longer to heal.

·        Change of physical appearance. These changes may include swelling of the face or the back of the neck or ankles; acne; thinning of skin; or skin stretch-lines.

·        Osteoporosis. Prednisone can make your bones become fragile by increasing calcium loss. This usually occurs after taking prednisone for a prolonged time. It may be recommended that you take a calcium and vitamin D supplement or increase the amount of calcium-rich foods in your diet.

·        Cataracts and worsening of glaucoma. After prolonged use of prednisone, cataracts or glaucoma may develop. This condition can be monitored by periodic eye examinations.

·        Alterations in hair growth. Prednisone can cause a darkening and/or increase in hair growth. This disappears when the dose of prednisone is decreased.

·        Hyperglycemia or diabetes (elevated blood sugar). Prednisone may increase the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. With periodic blood work, your physician can monitor this.

·        If prednisone is stopped too quickly, serious adverse effects can occur (nausea, vomiting, pain, fever, and/or flare-up of disease). Rapid withdrawal or stopping use of prednisone may cause these adverse effects. Never stop or change your prednisone dose without your doctor’s consent. If you are planning a trip, always carry an extra supply.

How long will the side effects last?

If adverse effects develop, they will usually persist as long as the medication is continued. As the dose decreases, so will the adverse effects. Some adverse effects are permanent and will not reverse after the medication is discontinued.

Approved by the MGFA Medical/Scientific and Nurses Advisory Boards
© Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. 2001

Copyright © 2006 kenibriz Inc.
Last modified: 08/14/07