Prednisone Side Effects Long Term Effects Information

Prednisone Side Effects Long Term Effects Facts

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Prednisone Side Effects Long Term Effects Facts in Questions

What are some side effects of long term use of prednisone? My mom has been taking prednisone for about 4 years now. She is fatigued and starting to look run down and tired. She is also now complaining of joint pain, severe. If she doesnt take her prednisone the pain starts up in her joints. She is taking prednisone for a problem with her lungs called bronchiolitus..sp? So, anyway, now we are going to see her lung specialist tomorrow. I hope he can tell us what is wrong.. I know sometimes there osteoporosis but I wonder how that affects joints..

ladykenmax replied: "Try googling it - I know it is a steroid and there are side effects, but I don't know what they are."

Rock_Chick1221 replied: "i am 21 years old and have taken steroids all my life for asthma. As a result of this, i have to have both of my knees replaced. the steroids caused the cartlige in my joints to deteriorate. it has caused arthritis in every joint in my body. i found out when i was just 14 that i had these problems. in addition to all of that, long term use of prednisone can also cause weight gain, fatigue, decreased stregnth of your immune system, mood swings and a few other problems. hope that helps a little."

llama1123 replied: "Side effects of Pred- signs similar to cashing's disease-- severe fatigue weak muscles high blood pressure high blood glucose increased thirst and urination irritability, anxiety, or depression a fatty hump between the shoulders the joint pain could be from weak muscles and then weak bones (osteoporosis) not supporting the joints as well and so now they ache from the added stress Hope that helps"

andy195220022003 replied: "You have not specified the dosage she is taking of Prednisone. My niece who is 33 now and she has arthritis since she was 9 and has been taking Prednisone since then. Side effects are same as you ave described her symptoms."

Has anyone experienced any side effects of prednisone on cats? Although it is very rare, my cat was just dx'd with Addison's disease. He will ultimately be on 2.5 mg of prednisone for the rest of his life. From what I have researched, it is a low dosage for his weight (11 pounds). I'm am still concerned about the long term health effects on his immune system as the natural (although limited) production of his adrenal glands could be compromised. Does anyone have any experience with this? Has anyone tried any homepathic alternatives?

Cris H replied: "My cat is on 10 mg predisolone 2x per day for feline lymphoma. She experiences whisker loss, increased thirst, and increased hunger. The thirst and hunger were a good side effect for her condition, as she needed to drink more and gain some weight. She is also slightly more active. Do not know about the adrenals or homeophathics. Good luck! Cris"

Side effects of taking Prednisone? My grandmother has a really bad cough. We have tried EVERYTHING. The doctors have given her all these inhalers, Spiriva, a nebulizer, we've tried the old fashioned ways (hot tea, honey) and the OTC cough medicins and expectorants. The only thing that works is 10 mg of Prednisone daily, but the doctors keep taking her on and off of it. We want her to stay on because coughing all day sucks for her and hearing her coughing all day sucks for us (really, it is very stressful to hear someone you love coughing their brains out all day long, every single day). Anyway, just wondering why the doctors are so reluctant to keep her on it. I know that it can cause bone loss problems and the doctor prescribed Fosamax to counter that. What are some other possible side effects / risks of long term Prednisone use?

Zam replied: "Muscular wasting (including heart) Osteoporosis Osteonecrosis of femoral head Diabetes Heart Failure Depression and so many more."

versantly replied: "the best is living & breathing for a bit longer. she has a progressive illness that will never go away. have her follow up with a pulmonologist. visit the specialist with her and share your concerns."

Stuart H replied: "It can cause bone loss, loss of energy, cause weight gain, and many other side effects. It is a steroid if you stay on it long enough your body becomes addicted to it and when you stop after that you have absolutely no energy. My mother stayed on the drug for 32 years until she died in 2006. She took it for arthritis and found it was the only drug she could use whose side effects weren't worse than her arthritis. A lot of doctors do not like to leave patients on this type drug long term. I hope they can find something to help your grandmother soon. My prayers are with you."

casdave2001 replied: "I've been on 10 mg of prednisone for years and the benefits far out way the side effects. I can't explain why some doctors would be so reluctant. Maybe try another doctor for a second opinion."

Prednisone for sinus infection...side effects? My doctor put me on 60mg of prednisone for 2 days, then 40 mg of it for 2 days, then 20 mg for 2 days, then 10 mg for 2 days...so all in all-8 days. After i started taking it (i'm on the 2nd day, so still on the 60mg til tomorrow) i read all the nasty side effects like moon face, weight gain, etc. Is this something I should worry about if i'm only on it for 8 days? Or are these side effects from long term use? Cause I'm really freaking out now and want to stop taking it (even though it has completely cured my sinus headache), but i know i can't as i must be weaned off. I also have been experiencing a very achy back, achy legs, and arms since i started taking it...is 2 days enough to notice these sorts of things? Cause it all started yesterday about 3 hours after taking my first dose. I was on my feet all day yesterday, so maybe it's just that. But once i slept last night, i woke up with no pain, but now it's slowing coming back again. I know what the side effects are, I just wanted to know how soon I'd have them. I've heard conflicting things-like that the weight gain and such is from long term use but i've also heard it could happen with short term use. So I wasn't sure.

tgirl replied: "http://www.drugs.com/sfx/prednisone-side-effects.html go here for side effects answers yes two days is long enough call your doctor"

LYNN IN FL replied: "The pred is not the cause of your joint pain, its actually used to combat aches, etc. The side effects you described are more for long term patients than for sinus infections. i have a hard time taking it in the large doses the first few days and have to take smaller amounts longer. It hard on your stomach so eat. I wish I had a dose pack now. i have a mother of a sinus infection. Feel better!"

Melody replied: "Prednisone is a steroid that helps with inflamation. Good stuff when you have asthma or another respiratory tract infection. It'll do the job. But as for side effects... You'll probably be grouchy, tired, thirsty, and again--grouchy. I've taken prednisone, my brother has taken prednisone, my cousin has had it before. I've never heard of any long-standing side effects. Unless you abuse this drug, it is perfectly safe to use, and a very useful anti inflamatory drug that will help with the sinuses, back pain, and anything else that is 'inflamed'. You might be pretty grouchy (so maybe warn your friends..? And if you're dieting, bad news, becasue prednisone will increase appetite as well. Might cause your eyes to focus poorly, but no horrible sort of side effects that I've heard of. PS: remember that your body chemistry might be different than others, so the side effects are always slightly different in time of occurence and severity from person to person."

Medicine Woman replied: "I take Prednisone for my sinus infections. All the cavities in my head all filed with infection and have been for 16 months. I have not been able to smell a thing for 16 months and they can't get the infection cleared up. The Dr said I may never be able to smell a thing for the rest of my life. It all started when I got a digestive disorder and I can't eat food, I eat strained baby fruit and fat free broths and juices so I became and remain malnourished, that's what caused my sinus problem. Now because the digestive disorder has gotten worse I am not allowed prednisone. I never had any reactions to it when I took it before and sometimes the Dr will give me an injection of it and my ENT gives me a nasal spray of a steroid trying to help my sinuses but it isn't working so he wants to do surgery. I said NO WAY. I doubt your side effects are from the medication but talk to your Dr or pharmacist."

HELP,FAST, PLEASE. Side-effects of prednisone?????????? what are the long term,short term, and withdrawl symptoms of prednisone?? i am taking it for my asthma and am noticing very fast muscle growth, anger rages, and i just feel wierd at times. this is while im on it. will anything happen after i get off or anylongterm side-effects in the future?? HELP PLEASE

silverdime'62 replied: "i dont know,except whatever you do, don't stop it cold without a taper. need to taper it off so your body adjusts gradually. ask a pharmacist for more info, or of course your doctor."

natsaprass replied: "Yes those are side effects. My aunt used to take it and she had these problems, plus she gained a LOT of weight. She has since lost the weight and is ok, I'm not sure about how she got off of the medication but I would definitely talk to your doctor, you can't live like that..."

tranquil replied: "Because complications of treatment with the corticosteroid is dependent on the dosage regimen, a risk/ benefit decision must be made in each individual case with respect to dose and duration of treatment. The lowest effective dose should be used to control the condition. Your mood changes appear because you just started on the medication. Side effects: Cardiovascular- thromboembolism; fat embolism; hypercholesterolemia; accelerated atherosclerosis; cardiac arrhythmias or ECG changes due to potassium deficiency; syncope; aggravation of hypertension; myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarct. Dermatologic- impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; facial erythema; striae; hirsutism; acneform eruptions; suppressed reactions to skin tests; hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema. Endocrine- decreased carbohydrate tolerance; hyperglycemia, glycosuria; increased requirements for oral hypoglycemics or insulin in diabetes; manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; menstrual irregularities; development of cushingoid state; suppression of growth in children; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness particularly in times of stress as in trauma, surgery or illness; increased sweating. Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances- sodium retention; fluid retention, congestive heart failure in susceptible patients potassium loss; hypokalemic alkalosis; hypertension; hypocalcemia. Gastrointestinal- nausea,vomiting, anorexia which may result in weight loss; increased appetite which may result in weight gain; diarrhea or constipation, abdominal distention, pancreatitis, gastric irritation and ulcerative esophagitis; peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage; perforation of the small and large bowel particularly in inflammatory bowel disease. Hematologic- leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia. Hypersensitivity reactions- anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions occur occasionally and depending on their severity, may be treated with antihistamines with or without epinephrine. General supportive measures should also be employed. Metabolic- negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism. Musculoskeletal- aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads; muscle weakness; steroid myopathy; loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis; spontaneous fractures including vertebral compression fractures and pathologic fractures of long bones. Neurological- seizures; increased intracranial pressure with papilledema in association with withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy; neuritis; paresthesias. Ophthalmic- increased intraocular pressure; glaucoma; exophthalmos; posterior subcapsular cataracts. Psychologic- hallucinations; psychosis; euphoria; mood changes. Other- necrotizing angiitis; thrombophlebitis; aggravation or masking of infections; insomnia; anaphylactoid reactions."

Prednisone: How much should we be concerned about its negative effects? I was told that long term and perhaps high doses, this drug can cause severe side effects such as weight gain, immune suppression, osteoporosis, and exacerbate other health issues. I'm mainly concerned about its immuno-suppressant qualities, and its interaction with other inhaled corticosteroids...meaning if the combination of all of them will further suppress the immune system even more? Do the inhaled corticosteroids produce any negative immune effects too or just the oral tablet? And last but not least, how long is the immune-suppressing side effect in effect for? The first 24-48 hours after you take the pill? Is it dosage dependent? The first week? I want to know if we should just stay home while we're on prednisone therapy to avoid getting sick, or if we can go out. It worries me. Any advice? thanks.

Genevieve S replied: "prednisone is a very powerfull drug usually prescribed to take down inflamation that antibiotics are not fixing.often used in the treatment of asthma.should not be used for any great length of time only untill the inflamation has settled down for the reasons you mention.often it is the quickest way to treat troblesome symptoms and so has a place in treating some conditions effectively.Ask your doc if you are worried about using it."

mortician replied: "You DO need to be concerned regarding this Therapy. Your interest is warranted. However, we need to realize there are side effects to Every drug. Some of the side effects may only show after extensive treatment. You may decide to stay around the house, esp. if you have never taken this drug before. You need to follow your Doctor's orders, and you could always call him/her and ask questions. Usually a person is not on Pednisone long enough for some of the side effects. Using a 'tapered' down dose is fairly safe. All things may depend on the patient's age, weight, condition, amount of medicine, lifestyle, etc. Get to know 'thy self' really good, and then you will know how this drug reacts. Hope I helped!! Nurse 32 years :) Jesus Saves!!!"

Lizzard replied: "Anyone taking long term or even short term can expect side effects. Obviously the longer you are taking it and the more you are taking will exacerbate this fact. Your immune system will be suppressed the entire time you are taking prednisone - that is the whole point of it. It's not a temporary side effect, it's the main function of the drug - it's an immunosuppressant. You will be more susceptible to colds and flus and obviously serious diseases like TB and meningitis etc. I wouldn't say you need to hide at home, but be very cautious around public places where sick people hang out and make hand gel your best friend. Stay away from hospitals where opportunistic germs are. The long terms side effects are very bad. It can cause psychosis/personality changes, increased risk for diabetes because it increases your blood glucose levels, depression, insomnia, weight gain and "moon face", which is totally unavoidable when you take it for longer than say a month, but this depends on the person. Basically you will swell up like a balloon if you are taking it for a while. It does not matter how much or little you eat. With prednisone your body will pack on and redistribute weight to the following areas - face, abdomen, back of neck (called Buffalo Hump) and anywhere else it feels like. I am currently on prednisone and I often experience what is called "Roid Rage" which means you will feel very angry and annoyed at times about absolutely nothing. You will also experience increased hair growth on your face and other parts of the body. For me it's my face and fingers for some reason. A lot of the side effects are just annoying but there are health risks. Osteoporosis is a big one. I myself have osteopenia (pre cursor to osteoporosis) from taking presnisone for 4 months at 50 mgs so I have to take something extra besides calcium and vit D to protect my bones. Most people who take pred have a love/hate relationship with it. It's EVIL beyond words, but it does save lives and that is the most important thing. I would not take it unless I was in a life threatening situation or was very sick and there was no alternative. Inhaled corticosteroids are considered topical and not as strong as oral steroids. I take both and have no problems. I think their main purpose is to reduce inflammation. They are not nearly as strong a drug as oral steroids. Something you need to keep in mind that is THE most important thing about taking prednisone. Under no circumstances can you stop taking it abruptly or go against your doctors orders in regards to dosage. Your adrenal glands become dependent on it and stop producing this hormone itself. You will need to go on a tapering schedule so that your body adjusts normally and starts producing the hormone again. It's a pain as it could take months if you start at a high dosage to begin with. If you try to adjust your tapering schedule yourself you will be sorry. Best case scenario you will feel terrible and depressed. Worst case scenario you will be in a life threatening situation and can die. You will also need to take calcium and vitamin D daily in order to protect your bones and I would recommend fosomax once a week for additional protection. Good luck."

penny t replied: "Sometimes the drugs affect the way vitamins and minerals work in our bodies. They already have found many of them deplete B12 and can cause depression. Someone (I cant remember who) brought out a book caled "Drug Muggers" that lists the drugs and the recommended vitamins they suggest you take when you are on them. My friend has to take statins but was having terrible side effects. He took two vitamins and made up for the others by altering his diet and he was absolutely fine again. He is feeling a lot better. Perhaps you could borrow the book from your nearest library."

Will prednisone improve my performance for sports? I'm 15 years old and I've taken my fathers prednisone pills for his ashma. I have heard the steroid will temporarily improve my stamina and aggression. I have read about all the side effects and I'm not worried about gaining long term effects I will use them spareingly.

cbrownie replied: "No. When I take prednisone, the only performance that is improved is my breathing. Stamina is only improved because hey, I can breathe. If you don't have problems breathing, then it won't improve anything. Aggression will not be affected."

Bob replied: "its not that kind of steroid"

versantly replied: "nope -but it can leach the calcium out of your bones. consider changing your diet instead. talk to your coach."

Is there anyone taking the drug Imuran? I'm currently taking imuran for an autoimmune disorder and I was wondering what your experience with it was. Does is give you nasty side effects like prednisone? Are there any long term side effects? Anything I need to know about it?

Fred D replied: "No the only drug i'm on is marijuana"

yogibear2b replied: "I have been taking it for about 3or 4 months.I have been gradually increased to 150mg.The first three or four weeks I experienced some nausea, diarrhea,fatigue and loss of appetite.I have also been losing hair.So far everything subsided after a few weeks except the hair loss.That should stop after I've been on my 150mg for a while(or so I'm told). WebMd is a good website to check out medications and their side effects. Hope all this helps"

How long does Prednisone stay in your system? I took Prednisone for 12 of 14 days for tendinitis. I had the side effects of those who take Prednisone long term so my doctor took me off early. It has been almost a week since I stopped taking it and the side effects have become worse. I have insomnia, acne, extreme belly swelling, 12 lb weight gain, headache, muscle ache, fatigue and my mood has been altered. I am normally a happy, healthy person. Had I known what this steroid would do to me, I would have NEVER taken it. I have literally been unable to work or take care of my child. Can anyone offer any advice or help?

the nurse replied: "You should not have gained 12 pounds within 2 weeks of being on prednisone. Half of the weight could be water retention from the meds. It goes away immediately as soon as the medication is tapered off. Its not that big of a deal to take it for 2 weeks. Some people have to stay on it for years and become steroid dependent and can not get off of it. Be thankful you take it for such a short time Taking it for longer periods of time can even cause cataracts and muscle breakdown. If you are being tapered, its only a short matter of time before you feel like yourself again Good luck and be well"