Long Term Side Effects of Prednisone Therapy

For many patients, prednisone therapy is an effective way to treat their condition. However, for a few there are documented long term side effects that can be quite serious. Understanding the potential for long term side effects and what they entail can help a patient make an informed decision when it comes to long term prednisone therapy.

Function

• Prednisone is a steroid therapy that is used primarily in the treatment of several hormonal disorders, immune system disorders and respiratory problems including asthma and allergies. Prednisone can be taken by mouth or administered through intramuscular injections. The medication begins as a corticosteroid and is converted by the liver into prednisone.
  It is effective because in conditions that require immune system suppression because it suppresses the entire immune system. This makes it a frequently prescribed treatment for many different conditions including asthma, arthritis, sarcoidosis, lupus and allergies. It can also provide relief from severe cases of poison ivy.
  In addition, prednisone is frequently used in the treatment of tumors and other cancers including lymphoblastic lukemia, Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
  The use of prednisone in America began in 1955 when research by Schering Corporation determined its commercial feasibility.

Dependency

• While prednisone can be an effective treatment option, using it for more than a week can create a dependency because the body stops its natural production of necessary cortisoids once the prednisone has been ingested for more than seven days.
  There are several short term side effects that are common with the use of prednisone. They include an increase in blood sugar, retention of fluids and an inability to sleep.

Long Term Effects

• Long term side effects of prednisone therapy can be more serious and can include the development of several disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, glaucoma, diabetes and osteoporosis.
  Patients have also reported the development of cataracts, swelling of the face and mental confusion while undergoing prednisone treatments.
  In addition to the physical symptoms of prednisone treatment patients have reported the onset of depression when the prednisone is withdrawn.

Resistance

• Another important side effect that has been traced to long term prednisone therapy is a lowered resistance to infections due to its suppression of the immune system. A reduced resistance to infections leaves the patient susceptible to infections that would otherwise be easily avoided or eradicated. Once an infection begins it can be difficult to treat in someone receiving long term prednisone therapy.

Solutions

• The effects of long term prednisone therapy can be serious. Therefore, doctors often work to reduce the possible impact that treatment will have on the body. One option is to prescribe a different therapy on alternate days so that the prednisone use is not constant in the body.
  Another measure that is taken is to prescribe the lowest dose possible that will still be effective in the treatment of the disorder or condition.
  Doctors often prescribe calcium supplements as well to minimize the bone loss that can be caused by long term prednisone use.