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Side Effects of Prednazone

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is administered orally or through intramuscular injection. While there are many side effects associated with its use, its benefits generally outweigh the risks.

  1. Treatment

    • Prednisone is used to treat disorders of the eye, kidney, blood, and intestines. It is also used to help with arthritis, asthma, cancer, Crohn's disease and severe allergies. Prednisone is combined with other medication to decrease the chance of organ rejection by the body after transplantation.

    Side Effects

    • Any use of Prednisone may result in such side effects as blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, increased blood glucose levels, and insomnia. Patients may also suffer from nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness.

    Long Term Use

    • Long term use can result in Cushing's syndrome, weight gain, osteoporosis, type II diabetes, glaucoma or cataract formation in the eyes. After withdrawal from long-term use, many patients also suffer bouts of depression.

    Other Problems

    • Prednisone use may cause abdominal, hip or shoulder pain. Other possible problems are swelling of the face, acne, bruising easily and irregular menstrual periods.

    Withdrawal

    • Abrupt cessation of Prednisone can cause the body to no longer produce it's own adrenal steroid hormones, a condition known as Addison's disease. Doctors will gradually reduce dosage when the time comes to stop treatment.

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