Before taking any new drug, you'll want to familiarize yourself with certain facts, such as what the side effects are, what to do if you miss a dose, and if it's safe to take while pregnant or nursing. Get the answers to these questions and more in this article about the most important things you need to know about prednisone.
Prednisone comes with a list of side effects that can be daunting. Many of the side effects of prednisone develop after taking the drug for months to years, as opposed to just days to weeks. While the list is long, the good news is that most side effects will lessen and go away when the prednisone is tapered down and discontinued.
Many people gain weight when they are taking prednisone. In some cases, a little weight gain might be welcome, but for some, the extra weight can be distressing. Find out why weight gain may occur while taking prednisone, and how you can lose the weight or even avoid gaining it in the first place.
One of the more visible side effects of prednisone can be steroid acne. This type of acne typically appears on the face, chest, and back. It does tend to go away when the prednisone is discontinued, but it can be very troublesome for some people, especially adolescents. Learn how steroid acne can be treated.
People taking higher amounts of prednisone may notice their face or neck appearing fuller than it did before. This is not an uncommon side effect of prednisone, and it can be very distressing, especially for young people. Find out more about swelling in the face and neck while taking prednisone.
Along with the temporary
side effects of prednisone, there are some permanent side effects that should be considered while taking this drug. One such adverse effect is osteoporosis, which is associated with long-term use of prednisone. Find out more about how prednisone can lead to osteoporosis in some people.
Another permanent adverse effect of prednisone is the formation of cataracts in the eyes. Cataracts are normally thought to be a condition that affects elderly people, but cataracts can occur after high doses or prolonged use of prednisone. This article will help explain how cataracts can form in those taking prednisone, and how they may be treated.
