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Is Long Term Usage Of Prednisone Safe?

Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015

Question: I have long standing Reiter's disease with 4 big spinal surgeries and eye involvement plus severe rashes on my genitals. I was on the maximum dosage of Sulfasalazine for years but it never seemed to help the eye or skin symptoms. I use cortisone cream for the rashes and eyedrops but that stopped helping as well. I have been on 5 mg of prednisone for 2 years to help that as well as keep the back pain down. Is the long term use of the 5 mg of Prednisone a risk? I am a 66 year old male and got Reiter's at the age of 10. It subsided for 20 years and then returned bigtime when I was 30 in 1979.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it has its own risks when used for long term.

Detailed Answer:
Dr. Hanif warmly Welcomes you!

Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic. I have carefully worked through your case, and can realize your health worries. Being your physician, I will take care all of your medical concerns.

We always have to practice a preventive medicine, and as a physician it is our duty. What we see is, does the benefits overweigh the associated risks.

Yes prolonged Corticosteroids have some side effects, but we can't leave a patient in misery of the disease for which we need to prescribe it for longer periods. But you are on 5mg, a very low dose and is relatively safer regimen.

Corticosteroids when used for longer time period may cause:-
Increased risk of opportunistic infections which usually can't attack a healthy person, oral thrush, and other fungal infections.
Keep away from measles and chickenpox patients.
It may cause Mineralocorticoids deficiency due to suppression at the pituitary gland levels and we may need to add mineralocorticoid hormone in treatment regimen.
High Intraocular pressure, cataract and glaucoma chances increase with prolonged use.
If ever you get positive tuberculin test, keep an eye and follow up with doctor as it may lead to eruption of severe tuberculosis.
Osteoporosis (weak bones) muscles problems and delayed wound healing are important risks associated with long term use of steroids.

If ever you feel any issues, consult your physician to counteract that problem, as it may be a side effect of corticosteroid use.

Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns. I will be happy to get back to you shortly. If satisfied here, please give a five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.

Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Hanif (3 days later)

I just wanted to thank you very much for the excellent detailed advice! I will ask my doctor here in New Hampshire about the mineralcorticoid supplements you mentioned. I may have spelled that wrong. Thanks again and best wishes!

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are more than welcomed.

Detailed Answer:
I am happy that I was of some help, and thanks for the compliments.

Thanks is not merely a word to me as a physician it is the whole World to me when I listen it as a feedback from my patients.

I pray for good health and best of your time ahead. Please remain in follow-up for better assistance time to time for any kind of health issues in future too. I am available 24/7 at a single click away, for your help without a delay. If satisfied here with the above discussion on your case, please give a five star rating and a positive feedback; and, don't forget to close the discussion.

Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E