Besides bone deterioration, what other side effects from prolong use of prednisone?

Question

I've been on prednisone for 3 years now due to (SLE). I've gone as high as 60mg a day and as low as 10mg a day. It varies depending on how bad a flare I'm having. I'm also taking Actonel to help with the bone loss (if any). Are there any other side effects or have anyone experienced symptoms from prolong use of prednisone?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what SLE is, but prednisone can cause:

1. Moon face, prednisone hump on neck, apple stomach
2. Fluid retention (puffiness in hands, feet, ankles, and legs)
3. Weight gain
4. High blood sugar (type II diabetes)
5. Skin changes (bruising, thinner skin, delayed wound healing)
6. Stomach upset
7. Mood swings (between euphoria to depression)
8. Sleep disorders
9. Susceptibility to infection
10. Higher blood pressures
11. Blurry vision
12. Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
13. Tremors and dizziness
14. Osteoporosis
15. "buffalo hump" on the back
16. Night sweats
17. Increased sensitivity to the sun
18. Increased appetite
19. Delayed wound healing
20. Increased susceptibility to infection

in any case, be sure not to suddenly stop taking it. This can cause a bad withdrawal effect.

Answer 2

often water retention can be a problem and weight gain as well.

What are the possible side effects of prednisolone?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking prednisolone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take prednisolone and talk to your doctor if you experience

insomnia;
nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
fatigue or dizziness;
muscle weakness or joint pain;
problems with diabetes control; or
increased hunger or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of prednisolone, include

acne,
increased hair growth,
thinning of the skin,
cataracts,
glaucoma,
osteoporosis,
roundness of the face, and
changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

But if you have been taking it for that long, you ought to know all this by now.

Answer 3

Prednisone like any steroid has several side effects, the most notable of which is increased risk of infection. Like all steroids it inhibits complete activation of your immune system making you more likely to A) get more infections B) have longer infections/illnesses when you are sick.

There are lots of other side effects as well, they are:

weight gain
facial swelling
depression, mania, or other psychiatric symptoms
unusual fatigue or weakness
Mental confusion/indecisiveness
blurred vision
abdominal pain
peptic ulcer
infections
painful hips or shoulders
osteoporosis
acne breakouts
insomnia
reduced libido

I've attached an article that goes into more detail. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

I know that prednisone can cause high blood sugar, high blood pressure and weight gain. If you have been taking prednisone for 3 years now, you should have already experienced any other adverse side effects though.

Answer 5

immune system break down.