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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Taking Prednisone?
I had a CBC two week ago and was found to have low blood platelets around 30 -32 k all other blood work was normal. I saw a Hematologist who peformed a bone marrow biospy with no findings. He gave me a complete phys. and asked me many question ,He said he found nothing out of norm. I feel good ,no weight loss or tiredness..He started me on Predisone 80 mg. for five days. Dropped me 60 mg a day for 3 days and the blood test went back to 32k. I took 80 mg again for 3 days and it stayed about the same. He then called me and told me to take 120 mg. for two weeks ,but have a another blood test in three days, then take 8o mg a day for one week ,then 60 mg a day for a week then 40 a day for a week and so on. He also prescribed a antibiotic to be taken on Mon, wed,and Fri, twice a day it called spectra/bactrim . I am not bleeding anywhere no new bruises the bruises ihad have 90% cleared up . I am 66 years old .He set up a PT scan ,but felt that it probably would not show anything,but just wante to cover all bases. I have reservation of taking so much pedrisone,but I do trust his ability and knowledge. What are your thoughts. Is this hight dose of Predisone going tocause any ppermant harm to me?
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
Hi,
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and certain types of cancer. While it can be effective in treating these conditions, long-term use of prednisone can have several potential side effects.
Some of the most common long-term side effects of prednisone include:
* Osteoporosis: Prolonged use of prednisone can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, which can increase the risk of fractures.
* Weight gain: Prednisone can cause an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain.
* Diabetes: Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
* Infections: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
* Cataracts and glaucoma: Long-term use of prednisone can increase the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.
* Mood changes: Prednisone can cause mood changes, including anxiety, depression, and irritability.
* Adrenal gland suppression: Prolonged use of prednisone can suppress the adrenal glands, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity of the side effects can vary depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Your hematologist has prescribed a high dose of prednisone for a short period, which may reduce the risk of long-term side effects. However, it's important to follow your hematologist's instructions and continue to monitor your blood platelet count and overall health.
In addition to prednisone, your hematologist has also prescribed an antibiotic to help prevent infections while you are taking prednisone. It's important to take this medication as prescribed and to let your hematologist know if you experience any new symptoms or side effects.
Overall, it's important to have a frank discussion with your hematologist about the potential risks and benefits of taking prednisone, as well as any other medications or treatments that may be recommended.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and certain types of cancer. While it can be effective in treating these conditions, long-term use of prednisone can have several potential side effects.
Some of the most common long-term side effects of prednisone include:
* Osteoporosis: Prolonged use of prednisone can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, which can increase the risk of fractures.
* Weight gain: Prednisone can cause an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain.
* Diabetes: Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
* Infections: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
* Cataracts and glaucoma: Long-term use of prednisone can increase the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.
* Mood changes: Prednisone can cause mood changes, including anxiety, depression, and irritability.
* Adrenal gland suppression: Prolonged use of prednisone can suppress the adrenal glands, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity of the side effects can vary depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Your hematologist has prescribed a high dose of prednisone for a short period, which may reduce the risk of long-term side effects. However, it's important to follow your hematologist's instructions and continue to monitor your blood platelet count and overall health.
In addition to prednisone, your hematologist has also prescribed an antibiotic to help prevent infections while you are taking prednisone. It's important to take this medication as prescribed and to let your hematologist know if you experience any new symptoms or side effects.
Overall, it's important to have a frank discussion with your hematologist about the potential risks and benefits of taking prednisone, as well as any other medications or treatments that may be recommended.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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