Prednisone 5mg Side Effects: A Comprehensive Guide to Prednisolone Risks

20.06.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of prednisone 5mg. How do higher doses and longer use impact side effect risks. What serious side effects should prompt immediate medical attention. How can patients manage common side effects of prednisolone.

Содержание

Understanding Prednisolone: Dosage and Duration Impact on Side Effects

Prednisolone, a widely prescribed corticosteroid medication, comes with a range of potential side effects that patients should be aware of. The likelihood and severity of these side effects are closely tied to the dosage and duration of treatment.

Higher doses of prednisolone and prolonged use significantly increase the risk of experiencing side effects. Conversely, patients taking relatively low daily doses are less likely to encounter adverse reactions. It’s crucial to note that abruptly stopping prednisolone after extended use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, underscoring the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.

The onset of side effects can vary. Some, such as stomach upset or mood changes, may manifest immediately, while others, like facial rounding, may develop over weeks or months of use.

Common Side Effects of Prednisolone: Recognition and Management

Prednisolone can cause a variety of common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 100 people. Understanding these effects and knowing how to manage them can significantly improve a patient’s experience with the medication.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is a frequent concern for patients on prednisolone, especially during extended treatment periods. This side effect is attributed to two main factors:

Increased appetite
Enhanced water retention

To mitigate weight gain, patients are advised to:

Maintain a balanced diet without increasing portion sizes
Engage in regular exercise to stabilize weight

Typically, appetite and water retention patterns return to normal after discontinuing prednisolone.

Indigestion

Gastrointestinal discomfort is another common side effect. To reduce the risk of stomach problems:

Take prednisolone with food
Avoid rich or spicy foods during treatment

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor about additional stomach-protective medications.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia and restlessness can significantly impact quality of life. To manage these issues:

Take prednisolone in the morning to minimize nighttime drug levels
Establish a consistent sleep routine
Create a relaxing bedtime environment

Excessive Sweating

Increased perspiration can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. To address this side effect:

Wear loose, breathable clothing
Use a strong antiperspirant
Stay hydrated

If these measures prove ineffective, discuss alternative medications with your healthcare provider.

Mood Changes

Prednisolone can affect mood in various ways. If you experience mood changes:

Communicate openly with your healthcare provider
Consider counseling or support groups
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises

If these common side effects persist or become bothersome, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While less common, serious side effects of prednisolone can occur, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for patient safety.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Signs of infection: high fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, persistent cough, changes in saliva, painful urination, or non-healing wounds
Indicators of high blood sugar: drowsiness, confusion, extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome: weight gain in upper back or abdomen, “moon face,” severe headaches, or slow wound healing
Adrenal gland problems: severe stomach upset, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, mood changes, loss of appetite, or weight loss
Signs of low potassium: muscle pain, weakness, cramps, or heart rate changes
Pancreas issues: severe stomach or back pain, severe nausea, or vomiting
Breathing difficulties, swelling in arms or legs, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding, or red/black stools

These symptoms may indicate serious complications and require prompt medical evaluation.

Mental Health Concerns: Recognizing and Addressing Mood Changes

Prednisolone can have significant effects on mental health, ranging from mild mood swings to more severe psychiatric symptoms. Patients and caregivers should be vigilant for:

Depression
Manic episodes or mood swings
Anxiety or panic attacks
Insomnia or sleep disturbances
Cognitive changes, including confusion or memory problems
Hallucinations or delusions
Personality changes or unusual behavior

The intensity of these mood changes often correlates with the dosage of prednisolone. Higher doses may lead to more pronounced mental health effects. If you or someone you care for experiences any of these symptoms while taking prednisolone, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

Allergic Reactions: Identifying Anaphylaxis

Although rare, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to prednisolone can occur. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe skin rash or hives
Rapid or weak pulse
Dizziness or fainting

If you suspect an allergic reaction to prednisolone, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early intervention is crucial in managing anaphylaxis and preventing life-threatening complications.

Long-Term Use of Prednisolone: Managing Chronic Side Effects

For patients requiring long-term prednisolone therapy, managing chronic side effects becomes a critical aspect of care. Long-term use can lead to additional concerns, including:

Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
Increased risk of infections
Skin thinning and easy bruising
Cataracts or glaucoma
Diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes
Muscle weakness
High blood pressure

To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers may recommend:

Regular bone density scans and calcium/vitamin D supplementation
Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels
Regular eye exams
Blood pressure checks
Gradual tapering of the medication when discontinuing

Patients on long-term prednisolone should work closely with their healthcare team to monitor for these effects and adjust treatment as necessary.

Prednisolone in Special Populations: Considerations for Specific Groups

The use of prednisolone requires special consideration in certain populations due to potentially increased risks or unique side effect profiles.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more susceptible to certain side effects of prednisolone, including:

Increased risk of osteoporosis
Greater susceptibility to infections
Higher likelihood of developing diabetes or hypertension

Careful monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary for this population.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Prednisolone use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration of risks and benefits. Potential concerns include:

Increased risk of cleft palate in the first trimester
Potential for growth restriction in the fetus
Passage of the medication into breast milk

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the use of prednisolone with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Children and Adolescents

Long-term use of prednisolone in children and adolescents may lead to:

Growth suppression
Delayed puberty
Increased risk of infections, particularly chickenpox

Close monitoring of growth and development is essential for pediatric patients on prednisolone.

Understanding these population-specific considerations can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about prednisolone use and management.

Side effects of prednisolone tablets and liquid

The higher the dose of prednisolone that you take and the longer you take it for, the greater the chance of side effects. You’re less likely to get side effects if you take a relatively low dose of prednisolone daily.

If you have been taking prednisolone for more than a few weeks, check with your doctor before stopping it suddenly to reduce your chances of withdrawal side effects.

Some side effects, such as stomach upset or mood changes, can happen straight away. Others, such as getting a rounder face, happen after weeks or months.

Common side effects

These common side effects of prednisolone happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Weight gain

If you have to take prednisolone for more than a few weeks, it’s likely that you’ll put on weight. Prednisolone can make you hungrier and also can make you retain more water in your body.

Try to eat well without increasing your portion sizes. Regular exercise will also help to keep your weight stable.

Once you stop taking prednisolone, your appetite and the way your body retains water should return to normal.

Indigestion

Take prednisolone with food to reduce the chances of stomach problems. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine.

If symptoms carry on, ask your doctor if you may benefit from taking an additional medicine to protect your stomach.

Problems sleeping (insomnia)

Take prednisolone in the morning so the levels are the lowest at bedtime.

Feeling restless

If you’re feeling restless when you’re trying to sleep, take prednisolone in the morning so the levels are the lowest at bedtime.

Sweating a lot

Try wearing loose clothing and use a strong anti-perspirant. If this does not help, talk to your doctor as you may be able to try a different medicine.

Mild mood changes

Prednisolone can affect your mood in different ways. Talk to your doctor if you are finding it hard to cope.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and any of these side effects bother you or last more than a few days.

Serious side effects

You are more likely to have a serious side effect if you take a higher dose of prednisolone or if you have been taking it for more than a few weeks.

Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if you get:

a high temperature, chills, a very sore throat, ear or sinus pain, a cough, more saliva or a change in colour of saliva (yellowish and possibly with streaks of blood), pain when you pee, mouth sores or a wound that will not heal – these can be signs of an infection
sleepy or confused, feeling very thirsty or hungry, peeing more often, flushing, breathing quickly or breath that smells like fruit – these can be signs of high blood sugar
weight gain in your upper back or belly, “moon face” (a puffy, rounded face), very bad headaches and slow wound healing – these can be signs of Cushing’s syndrome
a very upset stomach or you’re being sick (vomiting), very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, loss of appetite and weight loss – these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or changes in your heart rate – these can be signs of low potassium levels
severe stomach pain, severe back pain, severe upset stomach or you’re being sick – these can be signs of pancreas problems
breathlessness
swelling in your arms or legs
changes in your eyesight
any bruising or bleeding that is not normal
red or black poo

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

Mood changes

You may notice mood changes and mental health problems while taking prednisolone.

Talk to your doctor or contact 111 if you have any mood changes including:

feeling depressed
feeling high, or moods that go up and down
feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, difficulty in thinking, or being confused and losing your memory
feeling, seeing or hearing things that do not exist (hallucinations)
having strange and frightening thoughts, changing how you act, or having feelings of being alone

The higher the dose, the more intense the mood changes can be.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to prednisolone.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
you’re wheezing
you get tightness in the chest or throat
you have trouble breathing or talking
your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Long-term side effects

Taking prednisolone for a long time can lead to side effects such as:

thinner bones (osteoporosis)
poorly controlled diabetes
eyesight problems
high blood pressure (hypertension)

Children and teenagers

Taking prednisolone at higher doses for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers.

Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight carefully for as long as they’re taking this medicine. This will help them spot any slowing down of your child’s growth and change their treatment if needed.

Even if your child’s growth slows down, it does not seem to have much effect on their eventual adult height.

Talk to your doctor if you’re worried. They’ll be able to explain the benefits and risks of giving your child prednisolone.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of prednisolone. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 24 February 2022

Next review due: 24 February 2025

Prednisone Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders. Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system’s response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

How to use prednisone oral

Take this medication by mouth, with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, as directed by your doctor. Take the tablet form of this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are prescribed only one dose per day, take it in the morning before 9 A.M.

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are taking this medication on a different schedule than a daily one (such as every other day), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle pain/cramps, irregular heartbeat, weakness, swelling hands/ankles/feet, unusual weight gain, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever), vision problems (such as blurred vision), symptoms of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), slow wound healing, thinning skin, bone pain, menstrual period changes, puffy face, seizures, easy bruising/bleeding.

This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking prednisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/past infections (such as fungal infections, tuberculosis, herpes), heart problems (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, diverticulitis), bone loss (osteoporosis), mental/mood disorders (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression), eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma), diabetes, mineral imbalance (such as low level of potassium/calcium in the blood), seizures, blood clots, bleeding problems.

Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

The liquid form of this medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Tell your health care professional that you are using prednisone before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

This medication may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height and growth can be checked.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen).

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does prednisone oral interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

If this medication is used for an extended time, lab and/or medical tests (such as blood mineral levels, blood glucose, complete blood count, height/weight measurements, bone density tests, blood pressure, eye exams) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details

This medication may cause bone problems (osteoporosis) when taken for an extended time. Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of bone problems include doing weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol. Discuss with your doctor lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

If you are taking this medication daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you are taking this medication on a different schedule than a daily one (such as every other day), ask your doctor ahead of time about what you should do if you miss a dose.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.