What are the long term side effects of prednisone?

What are the long term side effects of prednisone?

Side effects of long-term use of the steroid prednisone include an increased risk of eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Long-term use can also raise your risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become brittle and your risk of fractures increases.

How to counteract the side effects of prednisone?

Reduce sodium intake. Minimizing canned and processed foods, soy sauce, cold cuts, chips, and other salty snacks is smart because high-sodium foods contribute to water retention. Choose low-calorie sources of calcium. Another prednisone side effect is the risk for bone mineral loss, so boosting calcium intake is important.

Does prednisone always cause side effects?

Most people tolerate prednisone well. However, side effects are possible. Short-term side effects of prednisone may include mood changes, insomnia, stomach irritation, and headaches, among others. Side effects reported with people taking the medication long-term can include problems such as weight gain, fluid retention, and bulging eyes.

How soon do the side effects of prednisone start?

However, some patients with a very severe condition can start feeling the effects after 2-3 days of beginning the treatment. If you are using delayed release tablets of Prednisone, the drug will be released at least 4-6 hours after taking the pill. Jun 5 2019

Is it safe to take prednisone for 5 days?

The recommended dosing of prednisone for patients having acute breathing difficulties due to asthma is 40mg-60mg per day for 3-10 days taken in one dose or in two divided doses. Your prescribed 5-day regimen of 60 mg of prednisone daily is safe to take without slowly decreasing the dose.

What is the best time to take prednisone?

Prednisone is taken just once a day, it is usually best to take it in the morning. Taking it too late in the evening may cause difficulty sleeping. It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of medicine in your blood.

How long can you take 60mg of prednisone?

Initial episode: 60 mg/m2 or 2 mg/kg (up to 60 mg/day) orally once a day for at least 4 to 6 weeks; follow with alternate-day therapy: 40 mg/m2 or 1.5 mg/kg (up to 40 mg/day) orally once a day on alternate days for 2 to 5 months with tapering of dose. Duration of therapy: At least 12 weeks.