Gastrointestinal symptoms Steroids may increase your risk of developing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you take these medications along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If at all possible, don't combine steroids with NSAIDs.
Description: corticosteroids can cause some gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain/cramps in the stomach and/or acid reflux. These symptoms are mild and can be treated relatively easily by your doctor. The risk of a more serious complication (e.g. peptic ulcer, pancreatic inflammation, colon infection) is much lower.
To lower the chances of dealing with these, avoid taking your prednisone with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, says Dr. Deane. Your doc also may suggest you take an additional med to help protect your stomach, like a proton-pump inhibitor, he says.
Dr. Rogers advises that it will be easier to lose any excess weight 6–12 months after long-term steroid use has been discontinued and the body has readjusted. The best strategy in the short-term is to take measures to prevent or minimize weight gain as much as possible: Eat healthy and stay active.
Generally speaking, the higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the changes. Weight gain while taking prednisone is typically due to fluid retention and increased calorie intake because of increased appetite. In addition, those with lung disease have more difficulty maintaining physical activity.
Check with your doctor to see if you should take vitamin D supplements. Also, increase your intake of low-fat foods that have high calcium levels. Some of these include corn, sardines, almonds, broccoli, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, cooked soybeans, boiled white beans, and salmon.
Eating a nutritious diet that is low in sodium (salt) and rich in calcium and vitamin D may help reduce some of these side effects. Read food labels to help you choose better options. Physical activity and good nutrition are part of a healthy lifestyle.
They can lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and psychiatric problems.
Steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema. Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against illness and infection.
A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their usual function. The amount of time it takes to taper off prednisone depends on the disease being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take a week to several months.
Stomach irritation
Steroids can irritate the lining of the stomach by inhibiting prostaglandins – these are substances that help protect the stomach lining. Excessive irritation can lead to stomach ulcers.
Steroids can irritate the stomach lining. We recommend you take medication, such as omeprazole, before taking your steroids. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) designed to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced and limit the irritation of the stomach lining.
The catch, though, is that it comes with a slew of side effects (some mild, some quite severe) that make it an inappropriate medication to stay on long-term. One of those side effects: Prednisone can cause stomach pain and other uncomfortable gastrointestinal issues, even if your course of treatment is brief.
Sodium and Fluid Retention
Prednisone may cause sodium (salt) and fluid retention, which can raise blood pressure and contribute to swelling. A small amount of salt in cooking is usually acceptable in helping to control this retention, but excessive salt use should be avoided.
Steroids may increase your risk of developing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you take these medications along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If at all possible, don't combine steroids with NSAIDs.
Some important things to consider whilst on a steroid cycle is that there is a need to increase water intake because steroids increase core body temperature. A lack of water may result in serious fatigue and headaches.
Side effects of corticosteroids taken by mouth
Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include: A buildup of fluid, causing swelling in your lower legs. High blood pressure. Problems with mood swings, memory, behavior, and other psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium.
You may notice mood changes and mental health problems while taking prednisolone. Talk to your doctor or contact 111 if you have any mood changes including: feeling depressed. feeling high, or moods that go up and down.
Prednisone generally works very quickly — usually within one to four days — if the prescribed dose is adequate to reduce your particular level of inflammation.
by Drugs.com
Prednisone does not usually cause sleepiness but may make you feel dizzy, irritable with mood swings, or cause you to have trouble sleeping (insomnia). If your dose is stopped too quickly or if you take prednisone for a long period of time you may feel severely fatigued.
The most serious prednisone side effects usually include allergic reactions, infections, gastrointestinal issues and elevated blood sugar. These may occur when people take larger doses or take the medication for long-term treatment.