Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Pulmonary doctor just prescribed a shock dose of prednisone because my COPD has flared up recently. Started last Wednesday; 4 for three days, 3 for three days, 2 for three days, then back to a 1 per day maintenance dose. What kind of side effects might I expect to have?
A short course of prednisone has significantly less side effects when compared to daily use. The side effects you are most likely going to experience is abdominal bloating and indigestion. It is recommended that you take prednisone after a meal and also use a proton pump inhibitor tablet to prevent gastritis eg losec 20mg daily. While on prednisone, you are more at risk of developing infections so take precautions and minimize exposure to places where you are likely to contract an infection. You may also have difficulty sleeping while taking the tablets.
Daily use for prolonged periods can lead to osteoporosis, weight gain, changes in mood, depression as well as certain endocrine abnormalities. This however is unlikely as you have been prescribed a low dose for a short period which is considered safe.
Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Prednisone?
Hi there A short course of prednisone has significantly less side effects when compared to daily use. The side effects you are most likely going to experience is abdominal bloating and indigestion. It is recommended that you take prednisone after a meal and also use a proton pump inhibitor tablet to prevent gastritis eg losec 20mg daily. While on prednisone, you are more at risk of developing infections so take precautions and minimize exposure to places where you are likely to contract an infection. You may also have difficulty sleeping while taking the tablets. Daily use for prolonged periods can lead to osteoporosis, weight gain, changes in mood, depression as well as certain endocrine abnormalities. This however is unlikely as you have been prescribed a low dose for a short period which is considered safe. Hope this helps.