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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Prednisone?
My 16 yr old daughter has been experiencing ramdom swelling of areas on her body, mostly hands and feet, but occasionally upper arm area, legs, waist area, etc. The swelling is not around any joints, but rather in soft areas such as the side of her foot, or the heel of the palm of her hand. It starts with intense itching, then starts to swell, gets red and hot. I took her to after hours clinic, and they want her to do 3 days of Prednisone, and follow up with her primary. She is already a little overweight. Will 3 days of Prednisone cause her to gain weight? What other negative side affects will it have?
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Hello.
I can understand your concern.
Your daughter seems to have an allergic reaction. Antihistaminics like cetirizine or chlorpheniramine are the first line of treatment for it and if they are deemed to be inadequate, the next line is a steroid like prednisone.
Prednisone as well as other steroids do cause weight gain, menstrual irregularities, weaker bones, humps over the shoulders, swelling of the face, cataracts and other such side effects. However, these effects are associated with long-term use - like weeks or months together. A course of 3 days is very unlikely to have any adverse effects. Hence, you need not worry.
Another possibilty for your daughter's condition is an immunological condition. An ANA profile which is a blood test might confirm the same.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
I can understand your concern.
Your daughter seems to have an allergic reaction. Antihistaminics like cetirizine or chlorpheniramine are the first line of treatment for it and if they are deemed to be inadequate, the next line is a steroid like prednisone.
Prednisone as well as other steroids do cause weight gain, menstrual irregularities, weaker bones, humps over the shoulders, swelling of the face, cataracts and other such side effects. However, these effects are associated with long-term use - like weeks or months together. A course of 3 days is very unlikely to have any adverse effects. Hence, you need not worry.
Another possibilty for your daughter's condition is an immunological condition. An ANA profile which is a blood test might confirm the same.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
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