In order to discuss on Long-Term Side Effects of Prednisone I want to give some introduction of this type steroid. This group of steroid with which this drug related is called corticosteroid. It is different from that type of steroid which the athletes use to increase their performance and muscle mass. Unlikely prednisone has a large list of side effect when used for the long period of time as a treatment of inflammatory diseases. This drug is available for use in multiple modes like tablet solution and injection. The side effects of intake through orally or through injection has different side effects but when taken through inhalation for the treatment of asthma the quantity of drug is very low that is why this mode of intake has less side effects than the oral in take. As mentioned above this drug is normally used for the treatment of swelling on any part of the body. However this drug has vast side effects on human body due to prolonged use few common side effects are listed here:
General side effects
- Some common side effects which do not prevail for longer period are Increased appetite
- Fluid retention
- Weight gain
- Raised blood sugar which may cause diabetes
- Acne
- Thinning of the skin
Heart and blood vessels problems
This drug increases the blood pressure of the patient using this drug which causes the disturbance in cholesterol level in the blood and the body. The increased cholesterol level causes to raise the heart and vessels problem which may lead to heart attach.
Elementary Canals Problems
Prolonged use of this drug create irritation in lining of almost all the digestive system i.e stomach, small intestine, large intestine moreover some time it cause the ulcers and in its severe condition bleeding occur.
Muscles and bones
One of Long-Term Side Effects of Prednisone is thinning of the bones leading to osteoporosis which can cause some other complications especially in elderly people. Moreover muscle inflammation may occur but this symptom appears in rare cases.
Brain and nervous system
This is the most dangerous and sensitive problems the patients have to face. Under these condition mood changes in the form of “revved up” and in some cases patient feels trouble in sleeping while others are get depressed.
Although there a big list of side effects which the patient has to face due to long term use of this drug. Above are few which can generate the image in the minds of the people who are using this drug for longer period. The wise thinking is that people should use this drug for not longer period without the advice of healthcare provider. Because on finding the symptom of some side effect the healthcare provider decide to change the drug or make alternative arrangements for the removal of side effect appearing in the patient using this drug for the treatment of some inflammatory diseases. Therefore let the doctor decide the issue for the betterment of your health.