17 Side Effects of Prednisone: What You Need to Know

Prednisone is a powerful steroid medication that is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. While prednisone can be effective in treating these conditions, it can also cause a number of side effects.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of prednisone include:

• Weight gain
• Fluid retention
• Increased appetite
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Acne
• Increased hair growth

Serious Side Effects

In some cases, prednisone can cause more serious side effects, including:

• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke

Risk Factors

The risk of developing side effects from prednisone depends on a number of factors, including:

• The dose of prednisone
• The length of time you take prednisone
• Your age
• Your overall health

How to Reduce Side Effects

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of developing side effects from prednisone, including:

• Take the lowest dose of prednisone possible
• Take prednisone for the shortest amount of time possible
• Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing side effects

When to Call Your Doctor

It is important to call your doctor if you experience any side effects from prednisone, especially if they are severe.

Detailed Discussion of Side Effects

Weight Gain

Prednisone can cause weight gain by increasing your appetite and causing your body to retain fluid. Weight gain can be a problem for people who are already overweight or obese.

Fluid Retention

Prednisone can also cause fluid retention, which can lead to swelling in your hands, feet, and legs. Fluid retention can also increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.

Increased Appetite

Prednisone can increase your appetite, which can lead to weight gain. Increased appetite can also be a problem for people who are trying to lose weight.

Mood Swings

Prednisone can cause mood swings, including irritability, anxiety, and depression. Mood swings can be a problem for people who are already struggling with mental health issues.

Insomnia

Prednisone can cause insomnia, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia can interfere with your daily activities and make you feel tired and irritable.

Nervousness

Prednisone can also cause nervousness, which can make you feel anxious and jittery. Nervousness can interfere with your sleep and make it difficult to concentrate.

Headaches

Prednisone can cause headaches, which can be mild or severe. Headaches can be a problem for people who already suffer from headaches.

Acne

Prednisone can also cause acne, which can be a problem for people who are already struggling with acne. Acne can be unsightly and can lead to scarring.

Increased Hair Growth

Prednisone can also cause increased hair growth, which can be a problem for women who do not want to have excessive hair growth. Increased hair growth can also be a problem for people who have hair loss.

Serious Side Effects

High Blood Sugar

Prednisone can cause high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes. Diabetes can damage your blood vessels, nerves, and organs.

High Blood Pressure

Prednisone can also cause high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Cataracts

Prednisone can also cause cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Cataracts can lead to vision problems and blindness.

Glaucoma

Prednisone can also cause glaucoma, which is a condition that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma can lead to vision problems and blindness.

Osteoporosis

Prednisone can also cause osteoporosis, which is a condition that weakens your bones. Osteoporosis can increase your risk of developing fractures.

Diabetes

Prednisone can also cause diabetes, which is a condition that affects your body's ability to use sugar. Diabetes can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Heart Disease

Prednisone can also increase your risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Stroke

Prednisone can also increase your risk of developing a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Strokes can cause permanent disability or death.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing side effects from prednisone depends on a number of factors, including:

• The dose of prednisone
• The length of time you take prednisone
• Your age
• Your overall health

Dose

The higher the dose of prednisone you take, the greater your risk of developing side effects.

Length of Time

The longer you take prednisone, the greater your risk of developing side effects.

Age

Older adults are more likely to develop side effects from prednisone than younger adults.

Overall Health

People who have certain health conditions are more likely to develop side effects from prednisone. These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

How to Reduce Side Effects

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of developing side effects from prednisone, including:

• Take the lowest dose of prednisone possible
• Take prednisone for the shortest amount of time possible
• Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing side effects

Lowest Dose

Taking the lowest dose of prednisone possible can help to reduce your risk of developing side effects. Your doctor will work with you to determine the lowest dose that is effective for treating your condition.

Shortest Amount of Time

Taking prednisone for the shortest amount of time possible can also help to reduce your risk of developing side effects. Your doctor will work with you to determine the shortest course of treatment that is effective for treating your condition.

Talk to Your Doctor

Talking to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing side effects is important. Your doctor can recommend ways to reduce your risk of developing side effects, such as taking prednisone with food or avoiding taking prednisone at night.

When to Call Your Doctor

It is important to call your doctor if you experience any side effects from prednisone, especially if they are severe. Side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Headache with no known cause
• Vision changes
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling in your hands, feet, or legs
• Severe abdominal pain

Comparison Table: Prednisone vs. Other Steroids

Conclusion

Prednisone is a powerful medication that can be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of prednisone before taking it. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of prednisone before starting treatment.