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This corticosteroid helps with arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune disease, but can worsen diabetes and hypertension if not used properly<\/p>\n
Prednisone is a type of steroid that reduces inflammation. This drug is often prescribed to patients with arthritis, asthma and other inflammatory diseases. Prednisone is a corticosteroid and works by blocking the release of substances that cause inflammation. It is an effective drug, but it can still have side effects. Adverse reactions are more frequent in elderly people, as the drug can strongly affect both the patient’s mental and physical condition. Increases in blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as insomnia and anxiety, are often observed. All these concerns can be well controlled with the use of the drug in close cooperation with the health professional.<\/p>\n
Inflammation is a natural reaction of the body to injury or disease, but this response of the organism can sometimes be too strong and cause pain or tissue damage. Prednisone is a drug that helps control and calm the body’s overreaction to inflammation.<\/p>\n
Doctors commonly prescribe prednisone for conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, some cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and immune system diseases. Sometimes prednisone is used for a short time when the disease worsens, and sometimes for longer periods, says Kevin Ji, a pharmacologist.<\/p>\n
In patients with arthritis, prednisone relieves symptoms and signs of the disease, such as joint pain and swelling. It also controls breathing problems in asthma or COPD, as it reduces the swelling of the airways that leads to breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n
In autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells. Prednisone helps to slow this process and prevent further damage.<\/p>\n
What are the most common reactions to prednisone?<\/p>\n
Elderly people may have more pronounced or severe side effects, especially with long-term use.<\/p>\n
Elderly patients often have more underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and general weakness, which corticosteroids like prednisone can make them even worse, Kevin Ji points out.<\/p>\n
Some of the more common side effects are:<\/p>\n
Increased appetite and weight gain: Prednisone can increase the feeling of hunger and lead to weight gain.
\n\u2022 Mood swings and anxiety: Some patients taking prednisone report mood swings, anxiety or even depression. These reactions are a consequence of the drug’s effect on the hormone level and can be sudden or intense.
\n\u2022 Sleep problems: Prednisone can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia, especially if taken later in the day or in higher doses.
\n\u2022 Muscle weakness: In some patients, prednisone leads to muscle weakness, making it more difficult to perform daily activities. This reaction is more likely during long-term use of the drug.
\n\u2022 Increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Prednisone can increase blood sugar levels, even in people who do not have diabetes. High blood sugar for a long time increases the risk of complications, such as heart disease, kidney problems and nerve damage.
\n\u2022 Increased blood pressure: Because of fluid retention and the effect on electrolyte balance in the body, prednisone may lead to increased blood pressure in some people.<\/p>\n
Serious Adverse Reactions in the Elderly<\/p>\n
In addition to the usual adverse effects, prednisone carries more serious long-term risks in the elderly, such as infections, stomach problems, osteoporosis, and cataracts.<\/p>\n
Infections: Prednisone weakens the immune system, making it easier for infections to develop. This is especially important in older people, as their immune systems are naturally weaker.<\/p>\n
Decreased bone density (osteoporosis): One of the most serious side effects of prednisone in older patients is an increased risk of osteoporosis, which makes bones weaker and more prone to fractures.<\/p>\n
Prednisone decreases the amount of calcium in bones, which weakens them over time. their structure, explains Kevin Ji.<\/p>\n
Cataracts and glaucoma: Long-term use of prednisone may increase the risk of eye diseases. Regular ophthalmological checks are important if the drug is taken for a long time.<\/p>\n
Stomach problems: Prednisone can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers or bleeding.<\/p>\n
How to reduce the risk of side effects?<\/p>\n
There are ways to mitigate the side effects mentioned. Kevin Ji advises the use of the lowest possible dose of the drug that, for the shortest possible period, will effectively reduce inflammation with as few adverse reactions as possible.<\/p>\n
It is recommended that the doctor, before starting the therapy, familiarize himself with all the drugs that the patient is already using, as well as with the existing diseases, to avoid dangerous interactions.<\/p>\n
It is important to regularly check the blood sugar level and blood pressure, especially in people who already have diabetes or hypertension.<\/p>\n
Daily monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure values allows the doctor to adapt the therapy and keep the values stable. Usually, after prednisone therapy ends, blood pressure and blood sugar return to baseline, Kevin Ji points out.<\/p>\n
It is recommended to take prednisone with food to protect the stomach and reduce the risk of heartburn and indigestion. Also, it is advisable that prednisone be taken early in the day, especially in people who have problems with insomnia.<\/p>\n
If you notice unwanted effects, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
Always contact a health professional if you feel unwanted effects that affect the quality of life. The doctor may adjust the dose or recommend other drugs to control the symptoms, says Kevin Ji.<\/p>\n
Never stop the therapy suddenly without the doctor’s advice, as this can cause serious complications. The dose should usually be reduced gradually.<\/p>\n
Are there alternatives to prednisone?<\/p>\n
Prednisone is a very effective drug and is used for a large number of indications, but, as pharmacologist Kevin Ji points out, the alternative ways of treatment depend on the specific health problem of the patient.<\/p>\n
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