Side effects of prednisone

Prednisone

Prednisone is a medication which is used for the treatment of various diseases and conditions. It is usually prescribed for patients with lupus, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, different skin disorders, psoriasis, problems with allergies and breathing difficulties. Prednisone is a corticosteroid and it prevents the inflammation in the body.

Precautions

Prednisone is not recommended for patients with fungal and any other infections because steroids can make the immune system weaker, so the condition may get worse. It is also advised to stay away from people who are sick, because you may get infected quite easily. Make sure your doctor is informed about any disorders or condition that you have and about any other medications you take before you start the treatment with Prednisone. The dose of Prednisone would have to be adjusted if you have problems with liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, stomach ulcers or muscles. Other conditions which could be worsened by Prednisone include diabetes, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, eye disorders, high blood pressure, heart diseases and various mental disorders. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding because Prednisone may jeopardize the health of the baby.

Side Effects

As any other medication, Prednisone has a number of side effects. The side effects which are not considered to be serious include thinning of the skin, dryness of the skin, acne, excessive perspiration, headache dizziness, pain in the stomach, sickness, bloating and gaining fat in the arms, neck and waist. The most common side effects of Prednisone are sleeping disorders, vertigo, perspiration, indigestion, increase in appetite and changes in mood. Serious side effects which require medical care may include extremely high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, coughing up blood, blood in stool, shortness of breath, and mood and behavior changes such as depression or confusion. You may also experience fever, pain in the muscles and joints, diarrhea and unusual changes in weight.

Long Term Usage and Allergic Reactions

Prednisone must be taken exactly as your doctor prescribed. In case you take this medication for a long time you may develop certain symptoms which are a result of prolonged usage of steroid. These symptoms include acne, increased growth of facial hair, enhanced body fat in the face, neck and waist, problems with menstrual periods, problems with erection and changes on the skin such as thinning of the skin which becomes bruised easily. In case you are allergic to Prednisone you may have a reaction which includes itchiness or irritation of the skin, rash, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, breathing difficulties and tension in the chest.