Prednisone Side Effects

Prednisone is a widely used corticosteroid that works by preventing
the way the body responds to inflammation and it modifies the body’s
response to certain stimuli of the immune system. It is often
prescribed for treating asthma, allergies, arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, and some skin conditions.

Because
this medication impairs the body’s natural response to inflammation and
it suppresses the immune system, prednisone side effects can be
experienced as long as 12 months after stopping the medication. It is
very important to pay close attention to your environment and the
health of the people with whom you come in contact during this extended
time.

Notify your prescribing physician if you know you are
allergic to prednisone, if you have a systemic fungal infection, or if
you are taking mifespristone. Report all medications you are taking, as
many of them have interactions your physician will need to be aware of.

One
of the long-term prednisone side effects is that you will be more prone
to illness during and after treatment with this medication. Bacterial,
fungal, and viral infections that seem minor in someone else can become
severe, even dangerous, to someone taking prednisone. Avoid people who
have fever, sore throats, pain urinating, flu-like symptoms, measles,
chickenpox, and colds for at least a year after stopping treatment.

Any
treatment for fungal infections should be reported to your prescribing
physician, as prednisone will impair the efficacy of that treatment.

Vaccinations,
especially those delivered with a live virus, should be avoided for at
least 12 months after prednisone treatment ends. Notify your
prescribing physician if you have a history of herpes in any form and
tuberculosis.

Women who are pregnant, considering pregnancy,
and those breastfeeding should avoid use of prednisone. This medication
can affect the unborn or breastfed child and you’ll need to discuss the
risk factors before beginning prednisone treatment.

Prednisone
side effects extend to diabetes patients, too. Blood sugar levels will
need careful monitoring on a continued basis and especially whenever a
change in dosage is indicated.

Prednisone can affect the
growth rate in children if used for long periods of time. Infants and
children undergoing prednisone therapy will require close medical
monitoring.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.