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What Are The Side Effects Of Prednisone On Long Term Use?
Question: Hello, we believe my wife has adult onset cutaneous lupus, lower leg edema, plaque like rashes, joint pain.
She improved markedly on a 10day long tapering steroid regimen for acute bronchitis.
what would be a reasonable dose of prednisone for long term therapy,and what are the side effects, long term possible deleterious effects of continuous steroid therapy
thanks, XXXXXXX ( i am a radiologist, md, but am not up to date on medical rx)
She improved markedly on a 10day long tapering steroid regimen for acute bronchitis.
what would be a reasonable dose of prednisone for long term therapy,and what are the side effects, long term possible deleterious effects of continuous steroid therapy
thanks, XXXXXXX ( i am a radiologist, md, but am not up to date on medical rx)
Brief Answer:
Use the lowest possible dose that effectively controls the disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The maximum dose of Prednisone that can be used is 60 mg per day. For initial management of Lupus, higher doses up to 60 mg can be used. Once the acute phase has been subsided, the dose of Prednisone can be tapered down slowly to adequate dose required for maintenance. The maintenance dose will depend on each individual's severity of illness and response to treatment. Maintanence at lowest dose (the dose can go as low as 5 mg per day) possible, which do not cause disease exacerbation is the ideal option.
Side effects of long term use of corticosteroids include drug induced Cushings, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, cataract, glaucoma exacerbation, skin thinning, electrolyte imbalance, Immunosupression. The side effects increases as the dose of Prednisone used increases. So it is important to identify the lowest possible dose that works well for your wife and stick to that dose for long term maintenance.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Use the lowest possible dose that effectively controls the disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The maximum dose of Prednisone that can be used is 60 mg per day. For initial management of Lupus, higher doses up to 60 mg can be used. Once the acute phase has been subsided, the dose of Prednisone can be tapered down slowly to adequate dose required for maintenance. The maintenance dose will depend on each individual's severity of illness and response to treatment. Maintanence at lowest dose (the dose can go as low as 5 mg per day) possible, which do not cause disease exacerbation is the ideal option.
Side effects of long term use of corticosteroids include drug induced Cushings, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, cataract, glaucoma exacerbation, skin thinning, electrolyte imbalance, Immunosupression. The side effects increases as the dose of Prednisone used increases. So it is important to identify the lowest possible dose that works well for your wife and stick to that dose for long term maintenance.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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