The Truth About Prednisone: Side Effects and Risks Explained

😱Prednisone can have a range of side effects, including skin thinning, bruising, water retention, weight gain, and fat redistribution.

🩺Long-term use of prednisone increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and osteonecrosis, which weaken the bones and can lead to fractures.

😓Prednisone can cause mood changes, insomnia, and elevated blood sugar levels. It's important to monitor these effects and adjust treatment accordingly.

🧠Some rare but serious side effects of prednisone include adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis, which can be life-threatening.

🏋️‍♀️Managing prednisone side effects involves taking precautions like getting regular eye check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, and taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Can prednisone cause weight gain?

—Yes, prednisone can cause weight gain due to water retention, increased appetite, and fat redistribution.

What are the long-term effects of prednisone?

—Long-term use of prednisone can increase the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and mood disorders.

Can prednisone affect the eyes?

—Yes, prednisone can increase the risk of cataracts and elevated eye pressures.

How can prednisone affect blood sugar levels?

—Prednisone can elevate blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes. It may require adjustments to diabetic medication or insulin.

What precautions should I take while on prednisone?

—Precautions while on prednisone include getting regular eye check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, and gradually tapering off the medication under a doctor's guidance.

01:07Prednisone side effects can vary between acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term), with acute side effects occurring within a few days or weeks of starting the medication, and chronic side effects manifesting months or even years later.

01:26Prednisone side effects are dose and duration dependent, meaning the higher the dose and the longer the duration, the higher the risk of experiencing side effects.

02:59Common side effects of prednisone include thinning of the skin, bruising, water retention, weight gain, and fat redistribution.

05:15Prednisone can have cardiovascular effects such as elevated blood pressure and increased risk of atherosclerosis, which may lead to strokes and heart attacks.

06:45Gastrointestinal side effects of prednisone include gastritis, esophagitis, and the potential development of ulcers, which can cause stomach upset, nausea, and bleeding in severe cases.

09:01Prednisone can affect bone health, leading to osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, and muscle weakness. Calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with muscle-strengthening exercises, can help prevent these complications.

10:07Psychiatric side effects of prednisone can include mood changes, insomnia, and in rare cases, psychosis.

11:07Metabolic effects of prednisone include elevated blood sugar levels, which can be problematic for individuals with diabetes. Close monitoring and adjustments to diabetic medication may be necessary.

12:12Prednisone can suppress the body's natural production of cortisol, leading to adrenal insufficiency and the potential for adrenal crisis if the medication is stopped abruptly. Gradual tapering is necessary to allow the adrenal glands to wake up and resume cortisol production.