Prednisone Articles:

Is long-term Prednisone use safe?

There is a simple rule about many of the more powerful drugs on the market. There are always costs and benefits, and it is for the doctor and each individual patient to decide whether the reality of side effects is a price worth paying for the benefits. In this, Prednisone is the same as a swath of other drugs. So, here are two simple statements:

• Prednisone is always safe when taken in short bursts;
• there are risks of side effects if you take Prednisone over longer periods.

So what are the problems in using Prednisone? Your body naturally produces cortisol in the adrenal gland and this is vital to the proper management of your body’s metabolism, it helps to regulate your auto immune system and it works as an anti-inflammatory. Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Once it is inside your body, it changes into cortisol and, because of its power to reduce inflammation, it is widely prescribed for allergies, asthma and longer term diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

In theory, it should be safe because all the drug does is to supplement the work of the adrenal gland. But, as with any medication based on steroids, there are side effects that can begin quickly.

The first and most obvious problem is weight gain, often showing around the waist and in a filling-out of the face. Many people find their appetite increases and is difficult to control. This runs alongside the tendency for water retention which can cause a swelling of the body and legs. However, there are more subtle effects that are more serious.

Because it interferes with the body’s immune system, you are more likely to catch infections. It also changes the balance in your blood which can make it more likely you will bruise easily. You may experience mood swings. But the most serious problem comes from the gradual shut down of your adrenal gland. When Prednisone increases the level of cortisol, your body notices and scales back the natural production. If you continue taking Prednisone, your adrenal gland can stop working and you become dependent on the drug.

These problems are reversible if you slowly taper the Prednisone. Once you are weaned off the drug, your body should return to normal. But this emphasises the need only to take very low doses if your doctor does authorise longer term use.