Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is similar to a natural steroid, cortisone that is made by the adrenal glands in the body. It is a synthetic hormone that is used when the body fails to produce enough of its own steroids that are necessary for normal functioning of the body. It is used in reducing inflammation, preventing organ transplant rejection, and treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.
It is primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system and is effective in treating autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are those in which the immune system attacks its own body and destroys healthy tissue. Suppressing the immune system by using steroids such as prednisone is useful in relieving the symptoms of these diseases. Examples of autoimmune diseases include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, type I diabetes, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. It is also used in treating certain types of cancer and in some cases in conjunction with antibiotics to treat pneumonia in patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When used in organ transplant patients, prednisone hinders the body’s normal inflammatory response. When something foreign is introduced into the body its normal reaction is to eradicate this material. Prednisone stops this process.
Prednisone has many benefits and has helped countless patients find relief from the symptoms of their diseases. But prednisone also has it downsides. Although it is helpful in treating a wide range of conditions it comes with several negative side effects. First, the body can develop a tolerance for prednisone if it is taken for long periods of time. Suddenly stopping prednisone can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include upset stomach, decreased appetite and weight loss, sores in the mouth, weakness, and slowed movements. Some of these side effects can become fatal so it is very important to wean off of prednisone under the supervision of a physician.
Prednisone has a tendency to pull calcium out of the bones and minimize the growth of new bone tissue. In the bones it causes conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis.
Osteonecrosis is literally the death of a bone. This happens when the bones start to lose the blood supply they need to grow. Symptoms normally start with stiffness and pain in the joints usually in the upper legs. It typically develops only in those who are on prednisone for long-term therapy.
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle and also occurs with long-term therapy. A doctor will usually recommend taking calcium supplements and may also prescribe other medications such as Fosamax or Boniva. These drugs help to decrease the rate of deterioration in the bones and maintain bone density.
Arthritis is a multifaceted disease that causes persistent pain in the joints and sometimes swelling in the joints. People generally complain of pain in the hips, knees, wrists, and hands.
Some of the more generalized side effects of prednisone include:
-headaches and dizziness
-decreased sexual drive and ability
-irregular menstrual cycles
-increased hair growth
-slow healing of bruises and lacerations
-extreme fatigue
-muscle weakness
-insomnia
The following side effects are more serious and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible:
-seizures and convulsions
-change in vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision
-depression or confusion
-irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath
-difficulty swallowing
-peripheral neuropathy (tingling in the hands, feet, or face)
-rash and hives
The side effects listed above are only a short list of things that come with taking prednisone. If you are experiencing other side effects that become severe it is best to err on the side of caution and call your doctor.
Sources:
Institute for Integrative Healthcare
www.healingwell.com
www.webmd.com
www.aids.org
www.medicinenet.com
www.drugs.com
