Effects of Long-Term Use of Prednisone

Prednisone is a widely used treatment option for autoimmune and inflammatory medical conditions. It is swift and effective at suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, and is used long-term to manage health conditions. Prolonged use of prednisone can lead to numerous and harmful side effects, but also provides relief from symptoms of serious medical conditions that limit the quality of life. The benefits and risks of long-term prednisone use must be reevaluated frequently.

Function

Prednisone is the generic name for a common corticosteroid; it is an anti-inflammatory medication also used to suppress the immune system. It functions as a treatment for inflammatory diseases like asthma, severe dermatitis and vasculitis, as well as autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn's disease. Prednisone is fast-acting and efficient, and is given orally or as intramuscular injections. The more severe a condition is, the longer the patient will be on prednisone for management and control of symptoms.

Side Effects

Mood swings, insomnia, and weight gain are all common side effects of prednisone use, even if the steroid is used for a brief period. Long-term effects of prednisone include more serious conditions, such as hypertension, osteoporosis, eye problems and damage to the adrenal gland. Long-term use stunts growth in children using extended prednisone therapy. Patients also risk becoming depressed or developing glucose intolerance, a type of diabetes. In addition, prednisone weakens the immune system and makes patients more susceptible to other illnesses and infections when used long-term.

Time Frame

Prednisone is prescribed to treat serious chronic diseases. This medication is often used as part of an extended treatment plan for these conditions and based on necessity, patients may take prednisone for months or years. The longer a patient uses prednisone, the more serious and numerous the side effects become. With long-term use of prednisone, serious side effects, such as osteoporosis, do not disappear when treatment ends. Doctors seek to limit a patient's overall time on prednisone by using alternate-day therapy and complimentary treatments.

Benefits

Although there are varied and numerous side effects associated with long-term use of prednisone, it is important to consider the benefits. Prednisone continues to be widely used because of the speed with which it acts on the body, and the consistent results it produces---this is a highly efficient drug. A patient taking prednisone finds that pain subsides and other medical condition symptoms are alleviated, so that normal daily functioning can resume. For example, a patient with severe asthma needs the steroid to reduce inflammation in the airways for easier, less labored breathing; for this patient, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Another positive effect of prednisone use is a sudden increase in energy; this extra stamina is welcomed by patients who have experienced weakness and fatigue due to illness. Long-term use of prednisone provides an improved quality of life for many patients, allowing them to return to normal daily living.

Warning

Patients on long-term prednisone therapy must be made aware of the risks for infections and illnesses due to the drug's effect on the immune systems. Doctors must be aware of any other medications and preexisting medical conditions before offering prednisone. Dormant illnesses may reappear in patients on long-term prednisone therapy, and a complete medical history is crucial. The effects of steroid therapy accumulate over time, so even long-term therapies must be kept to the minimum safe dose and duration.