Prednisone, while effective, carries potential side effects. Understanding these risks and taking preventative measures is key to safe use.
Common Side Effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain: Monitor your diet and consider regular exercise to mitigate this. Fluid retention (edema): Report any significant swelling to your doctor. They might adjust your dosage or suggest dietary changes. Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression): Open communication with your doctor and support network is vital. Consider seeking additional mental health support if needed. Increased blood sugar: Regular blood sugar monitoring is especially important for diabetics. Your doctor may adjust medication accordingly. Insomnia: Try establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed. Increased risk of infections: Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with sick individuals. Report any signs of infection immediately.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
While less frequent, some side effects require immediate medical attention:
Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing): Seek immediate medical help. Muscle weakness: Report any unexplained muscle weakness or pain to your physician immediately. Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures: Discuss bone health with your doctor. They may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, or other preventative measures. Gastrointestinal issues (ulcers, bleeding): Report any stomach pain, heartburn, or bloody stools to your doctor. Cataracts and glaucoma: Regular eye exams are crucial during prolonged prednisone use.
Precautions
- Tapering the dose: Never abruptly stop taking prednisone. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for gradually reducing the dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor: Disclose your complete medical history, including any other medications you are taking (especially NSAIDs and anticoagulants), before starting prednisone. Regular checkups: Follow-up appointments with your doctor allow for monitoring of side effects and adjustments to treatment as needed.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medication.
