[SS8282]

I've been on Prednisone for a few weeks now, and I've read that being on it for long term can have bad effects. How long is considered to be 'long term'?

FYI I'm on several meds for asthma and other illnesses. Thanks.

[darkeyes]

I know 2 things, it can make you retain fluid and over time "thin" your skin, my dad was on it for emphysema years before his death, his skin was so thin, the slightest scrape would tear it open, he also got bruise like marks on his hands. I was on it years ago for skin problems, caused me to gain 13lbs fuild buildup, and increased blood pressure. . .my next dermatologist gave me the option , use his treatment and get off the prednisone, it caused great depression too.
I do believe if it is prescribed for something more important than acne, it should be used according to doc's plans and monitoring.

DE

[ktp]

Some of the medications that I am taking consider long term to be more than 1-2 months. I don't know if it's the same for the Prednisone.

Take Care.

[dexter]

It depends on the dose you are taking as well.

I would ask your doctor, it is a valid question and he should have the best answer.

When I was a teenager I had a very stubborn illness that was treated by Prednisone. I was on high doses (highest was 120mg/day) and kept tapering off and everytime I got down to about 20/15 mg per day the illness would come back and I'd have to go up to a high dose again.

I was doing this for over three years before I was able to get off of without the illness reoccuring.

I rarely need it now, but on the occasion that I do, my doc usually prescribes about 40mg and I am usually tapered down to nothing in several weeks.

"Long term" can have lots of side effects, like water retention, rash, voracious appetite, etc but these all go away completely when you stop taking it. Any damage from long term you should talk to your doc about, if for nothing else to keep from worrying about it.

[SS8282]

Thanks everyone for your input.
Dex, I'm glad you're doing better. I've been getting some side effects, like puffy face and weight gain . I've stopped taking it because of the side effects. I'm still taking my other asthma meds - one of them has steroids in it - inhaler, so I'm ok.

[(JD)]

hmmm I was on predisone as a child until my teen years (that's a long time) cortisone is still one med I can take, but because of the history with me, it is a last resort now.

here's what I found:
Safety:

Cortisone has effects on the entire body; those that are not desired are called side effects. When Prednisone is used to treat a skin condition, the purpose is almost always to alleviate pain and suffering and not as a life-saving intervention. If you do not think the side effects are worth the risk, then you should not take internal steroids.
<font color="blue">Cortisones are remarkably safe for most people when used for brief periods of several weeks or less. Some people taking cortisones for short periods have no unpleasant side effects; however, disturbances of sleep patterns and increased appetite are common. Others will notice weight gain resulting from fluid retention or changes in mood--usually nervousness, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Sometimes, there is indigestion. These side effects are usually minor, and disappear after your physician stops the cortisone. If you're having troublesome side effects, please contact me.
CAUTION: Internal cortisones increase blood sugar and blood pressure. They may worsen diabetes and hypertension. If you are being treated for diabetes or hypertension, please inform me. Internal cortisones may also worsen or activate peptic ulcers; please tell me if you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer. In order to help prevent an ulcer from forming while on cortisone, one should take Tums three times a day.
<font color="green">Unfortunately, when cortisones are used for many months or years, serious side effects are common. Consequently, we use long-term cortisone treatment only when a disease threatens or seriously disturbs a patient's life.
When cortisones are take daily for long periods of time, the skin can thin and bruise very easily. Daily application of alpha hydroxyacids can help to lessen this side effect.
There have been rare cases of people becoming psychotic (agitated and having hallucinations) or depressed while on short treatments of Prednisone.
There also are cases of people developing osteonecrosis of the hip while on short-term Prednisone. This complication can only be treated by total hip replacement (a major operation).
People with glaucoma should not take Prednisone without asking their eye doctor. Prednisone can cause glaucoma to occur in people who have never had it before.

[SS8282]

Thanks for the info., and that's a lot of info. which I wanted to know.

Weight gain is a biggie for me. I also have glaucoma (diagnosed around the same time as asthma) I had ulcer last year, and the doc said it was from NSAID.

I had to take prednisone (oral and/or cream) every so often because of allergies, and lately, for asthma.

Although I've stopped taking prednisone, I'm still taking inhaled steroids. I know it's side effects are a lot less than oral steroids, but there are still side effects, and I think they are making my glaucoma worse.

I wish there's an alternative, but I don't know any.
(((((((((((Sky)))))))))))))))))))