$Unique_ID{BRK00733}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Worries About the Long Term Side Effects of Prednisone}
$Subject{medicines cortisone side effects}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Worries About the Long Term Side Effects of Prednisone


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QUESTION:  I have been prescribed a medicine called prednisone for some time
now.  I am beginning to worry about some of the long term side effects which
might occur, and which I should be on the lookout for.  Would you please
provide a list of them for me?

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ANSWER:  You question is similar to many others I receive asking about this
class of medications.  Prednisone is only one of a group of medications which
I frequently refer to here as "cortisone like" medications and which are
classified as adrenocorticoids (also corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory
steroids) They are all used to reduce the swelling, redness, itching and pain
that may occur with inflammations or allergic reactions.  They may be used to
treat a wide variety of conditions such as severe allergies, skin problems,
asthma or arthritis, to name but a few.  These are indeed strong medicines,
and while they may be quite helpful in overcoming the problems brought on by
disease, they do have a number of serious side effects, for which you must
ever be on the alert.  While many side effects are rare when these medicines
are used for short periods of time, a number can occur after prolonged usage,
and for which you must immediately contact your physician.  Here is a partial
list of those I consider most important; abdominal or stomach pain or burning,
bloody or black tarry stools, irregular heart beats, menstrual problems,
muscle cramps or pain and muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the
feet or lower legs, unusual bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness or wounds
that will not heal.  Since these medications come in many forms, and bear many
differing brand and generic names, it is important to know when you are taking
a medication from this classification of drugs.  Check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist, and learn both the generic and brand names of your medicines,
and then write them down for future use.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
