
What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Prednisone

have noticed all my arthritic pain is gone, which I have had over 20 years. I have had difficulty walking, back pain and foot pain. Now I feel better than I have ever felt in 10 years. What is the long term effects of being on this drug?
About corticosteroids side effects;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
The most common side effects of long term use of corticosteroids are;
- Increased risk of Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, increased lipids, increased risk for gasyric ulcer, ect.
That is why you should be under close monitoring for these side effects and follow a diet low in salt and low in carbohydrates.
The other major side effect of long term use of corticosteroids is the suppression of cortisol production by the adrenal glands and after stopping the therapy the adrenal glands may remain suppressed for 12-18 months.
Before stopping the treatment your treating physician will perform a synacten stimulation test and see the function of the adrenals, after that you will need to take hydrocortisone for some months to substitute the function of the adrenal glands, until they get their function back.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

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