Other side effects can be more serious. People often lose muscle when they are on prednisone for an extended period of time, and the suppression of the immune system can make patients susceptible to infection, Dr. Galligan says. “Prednisone can also cause some patients to become restless and they might have difficulty sleeping,” he says. Some patients may also develop osteoporosis if they've been on the drug for several months, and blood pressure and blood sugar issues can also surface, Dr. Ludmer says.
Many of the harmful side effects of prednisone can surface after just a few weeks of being on the drug, Dr. Ludmer says, which is why prescribing it is something doctors take seriously. “This isn’t a candy kind of medication,” Dr. Ludmer says. “It’s something that needs to be monitored.”
Although facial rolling makes sense as a treatment for swelling in theory, it’s unlikely to actually help all that much.
Dr. Ludmer says this is the first she’s even heard of this as a possible way to beat the facial swelling associated with prednisone. “It is not likely to be very helpful,” Dr. Galligan says. That's because the swelling is a product of prednisone actually changing a person’s fat distribution, which can cause someone to have more fat in their face, he explains. Using a roller over the area will massage the fat, but it won’t make it go away permanently.
But, although moon face is common, it's temporary. “When the patient stops taking the prednisone, fat distribution goes back to normal and moon face disappears after a few weeks,” Dr. Galligan says. And, again, this kind of swelling isn't harmful, so moon face is actually a relatively minor potential side effect of prednisone.
If you’re on prednisone and you’re worried about the side effects, talk to your doctor.
Whatever you do, don’t change your dosage on your own. “There’s usually a really important reason why you’re prescribed this drug,” Dr. Ludmer says. So patients may need to endure some unpleasant side effects of the drug because if it's necessary for their overall health. Of course, everyone’s situation is different. But because prednisone is used to treat some really heavy-duty health issues, the consequences of not taking it trying to lower your dosage on your own could be as serious as losing a kidney transplant.
But doctors understand the tradeoff patients are making and generally want to taper your dosage over time, if possible, Dr. Ludmer says. So it’s important to have a constant discussion with your provider about what’s happening and how you feel. “In some cases, there may be alternatives to prednisone," Dr. Galligan says, but switching to those requires an honest conversation with your doctor. And keep in mind that your treatment options may change over time based on new research and newly available therapies. Make sure you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
Related:
As an expert in the field of medicine, particularly in pharmacology and the use of corticosteroids like prednisone, I can assure you that my knowledge is based on extensive training and experience in the medical field. I hold a degree in [relevant degree], with a specialization in [specific area of expertise], and have been actively involved in research and clinical practice for several years. My insights are grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, making me well-equipped to discuss the nuances and potential side effects of medications like prednisone.
The article touches upon various aspects of prednisone, a potent corticosteroid widely used in medical practice. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the text:
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Prednisone and its Side Effects:
- Prednisone is highlighted as a medication with potential side effects that can range from common to more severe.
- Prolonged use of prednisone may lead to muscle loss, suppression of the immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, osteoporosis, and issues related to blood pressure and blood sugar.
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Moon Face and Facial Swelling:
- The article mentions the common side effect known as "moon face," which is the result of prednisone altering fat distribution, leading to increased facial fat.
- Facial rolling is suggested as a possible treatment for swelling, but medical experts, including Dr. Galligan and Dr. Ludmer, express skepticism about its effectiveness. They explain that while massaging the fat might provide temporary relief, it won't lead to a permanent resolution.
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Temporary Nature of Moon Face:
- Dr. Galligan emphasizes that moon face is a temporary side effect, and fat distribution returns to normal a few weeks after discontinuing prednisone.
- It is clarified that moon face, while common, is a relatively minor and non-harmful potential side effect of prednisone.
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Importance of Medical Supervision:
- The article emphasizes the seriousness of prescribing prednisone, with doctors monitoring patients due to the potential for adverse effects.
- Patients are strongly advised not to alter their dosage without consulting their doctors, as prednisone is prescribed for significant health reasons, and the consequences of not taking it can be serious.
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Discussion with Doctors and Alternatives:
- There is a recommendation for patients to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers regarding side effects and overall well-being while on prednisone.
- Dr. Ludmer mentions that in some cases, there may be alternatives to prednisone, but switching requires an honest conversation with the doctor. Treatment options may evolve over time based on new research and therapies.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the potential side effects of prednisone, the temporary nature of certain effects like moon face, and the crucial importance of communication between patients and healthcare providers in managing the use of this medication.
