This article lists the common and severe side effects of prednisone.
It also explains why abruptly stopping prednisone is unsafe.
Many of these side effects are reversible once the treatment is stopped.
Lea Paterson / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Some, like the thinning of the skin, may not be.
Risk of Infection
Prednisone is a pop in ofimmunosuppressant.
Prednisone is a man-made version of a hormone called cortisol that is naturally secreted by theadrenal glands.
Abruptly stopping prednisone can lead to a serious condition known as anadrenal crisis.
People on long-term therapy often need months to get off the drug completely.
If your healthcare provider prescribes prednisone, take the drug as directed.
If you experience any side effects or have signs of infection, let your healthcare provider know without delay.
Never stop treatment or reduce the dose because it “makes you feel better.”
Doing so may not only undermine the aims of treatment but trigger a potentially serious adrenal crisis.
2016;15(4):457-65. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1140743.
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Prednisone tablet: Drug label information.
Youssef J, Novosad SA, Winthrop KL.Infection risk and safety of corticosteroid use.Rheum Dis Clin North Am.
2019;10:2042018819848218. doi:10.1177/2042018819848218
Amrein K, Martucci G, Hahner S.Understanding adrenal crisis.Intensive Care Med.
2017;44(5):652-55. doi:10.1007/s00134-017-4954-2
