Long-Term Use of Prednisone & Side Effects

Prednisone is an oral medication, which is often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other similar diseases. Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid and is known to reduce inflammation quickly. There is some concern regarding long-term use of prednisone and whether or not there are risks associated with this long-term use.

How Does Prednisone Work

People who have liver problems may need to take a higher dose of Prednisone. Depending on which condition is being treated by prednisone, the beginning dosage may vary. Starting dosages vary between 5 mg and 60 mg per day. Depending on how the patient responds, the treatment may be adjusted by the patient's doctor.

What are the Long-Term Affects of Taking Prednisone

Prednisone should not be discontinued suddenly. While taking prednisone, the patient's adrenal glands will fall into atrophy and will have to recover. If a patient doesn't properly come off of prednisone, the patient is at risk for falling into adrenal crisis, which may include symptoms of vomiting, nausea and shock.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of prednisone may include water retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle fatigue, headache, increased facial hair, thinning skin, glaucoma, stomach ulcers, increased appetite and insomnia.

Drug Interactions

It is possible for other drugs and supplements to interact negatively with prednisone. In patients who have an increased prednisolone in their body, he or she may experience more side effects, which include increased facial hair, joint pain, muscle pain and nausea. Dilantin may reduce the effect of prednisone.

Dilantin is a drug that is used as an anticonvulsant, typically used in the treatment of seizures. It is not used to treat all types of seizures and it has other uses outside of being used to treat seizures.

Other Risk Factors

Prednisone can increase the patient's risk for infection and may render certain vaccines and antibiotics less effective. Prednisone is also a suspected cause of osteoporosis (according to the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center) and patients are typically recommended to take Vitamin D and calcium.