Two serious side effects of taking steroids (specifically long-term or misuse of systemic corticosteroids or anabolic steroids) are heart problems and an increased risk of serious infections.
Patients are at increased risk for many types of infections, from minor fungal infections in the mouth (“thrush”, caused by Candida) to life–threatening infections such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The higher the steroid dose and the longer the duration of therapy, the greater the risk of infection.
Common examples include prednisone and dexamethasone (Decadron). Steroids can help with swelling from inflammation. But they can also cause swelling in the legs and feet, as well as your hands and face (sometimes called “moon face”). For most people, this usually isn't serious.
Serious side effects
a high temperature (or you feel hot, cold or shivery), 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.
The most serious side effects are the effects on the heart, including an increase in bad cholesterol, decrease in good cholesterol, increase in blood pressure, increase in blood clotting – which can cause heart attacks and strokes – and an increase in the heart muscle size.
have an infection (including eye infections) or any unhealed wounds. are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding. have recently been in contact with someone with shingles, chickenpox or measles. have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.
Based on these findings we have something called as Rule of 2. If a patient consumed 20mg/day or more Cortisone or its equivalent, for a duration of 2 weeks or more, within 2 years then the dosage of the steroid medication should be doubled preoperatively.
Prednisone is part of a class of drugs called immunosuppressants. It suppresses the body's immune response and reduces inflammation in your lungs. Because inflammation is the precursor to fibrosis (scarring), we hope prednisone will prevent the formation of lung fibrosis and allow the inflamed lung to return to normal.
The best medicine to stop a cough depends on its type: use dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) for dry, hacking coughs and guaifenesin (Mucinex) for wet, chesty coughs to thin mucus. For postnasal drip, antihistamines or decongestants help; for throat irritation, try honey (not for babies) or warm liquids. Always match ingredients to your symptoms and consult a pharmacist or doctor, especially for children, pregnant women, or if cough persists.
What may interact with this medication?
Swollen legs may be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body, and it collects in the legs. Certain medicines may also cause your legs to swell.
If you develop a puffy face while taking steroids, you might wonder how long moon face lasts. The appearance of moon face can start to fade when you stop taking steroids, but it may take several weeks or even months for your face to return to normal.
Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water and fluids helps support your kidneys as they flush out prednisone. Exercise: Physical activity helps support your metabolism and blood circulation. This helps your body process and eliminate drugs efficiently.
If you start to have a fever, chills, sore throat, or any other sign of an infection, call your doctor right away. Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
Key facts. It's best to take prednisolone tablets or liquid once a day in the morning so it does not keep you awake. The most common side effects are problems sleeping, weight gain and indigestion. Taking prednisolone can make you more likely to get infections.
12 Tips for Calming Nighttime Coughing
Benzonatate is a prescription cough suppressant. It calms your cough reflex to help prevent coughing for three to eight hours after taking a dose. It's not a steroid or a narcotic. Benzonatate overdoses can be very dangerous or even fatal.
Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is often used to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may work as well as medicines available without a prescription to lessen coughing. In several studies, people with upper respiratory tract infections were given honey to lessen coughing.
If you take oral corticosteroids for a long time, your adrenal glands may produce less of their natural steroid hormones. To give your adrenal glands time to recover this function, your provider may reduce your dose gradually.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are your first-line defense when looking for prednisone alternatives. These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Great for general inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
These medications help reduce lung inflammation. Your provider may prescribe prednisone, mycophenolate or azathioprine.
A finger tip is from the very end of the finger to the first crease in the finger. One FTU is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of the flat of an adult's hand with the fingers together. Two FTUs are about the same as 1 g of topical steroid.
Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024. The starting dose of prednisone may be between 5 mg to 60 mg per day. A dose above 40 mg per day may be considered a high dose.
Long-term steroid use and steroid abuse have been linked to gum disease, periodontitis, and even tooth loss. Steroids affect the overall condition of teeth and gums by weakening the immune system and making gum tissue more vulnerable to infection.