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$Title{Worries About the Long Term Side Effects of Prednisone}
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redness itching pain inflammations asthma arthritis side effects stomach
burning bloody black tarry stools heart beat beats menstrual muscle cramps
weakness nausea vomiting swelling feet lower legs adrenocorticoid
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Worries About the Long Term Side Effects of Prednisone


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QUESTION:  I have been prescribed a medicine called prednisone for some time
now.  I am beginning to worry about some of the long term side effects which
might occur, and which I should be on the lookout for.  Would you please
provide a list of them for me?

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ANSWER:  You question is similar to many others I receive asking about this
class of medications.  Prednisone is only one of a group of medications which
I frequently refer to here as "cortisone like" medications, and which are
classified as adrenocorticoids (also corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory
steroids).  They are all used to reduce the swelling, redness, itching and
pain that may occur with inflammations or allergic reactions.  They may be
used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as severe allergies, skin
problems, asthma or arthritis, to name but a few.  These are indeed strong
medicines, and while they may be quite helpful in overcoming the problems
brought on by disease, they do have a number of serious side effects, for
which you must ever be on the alert.  While many side effects are rare when
these medicines are used for short periods of time, a number can occur after
prolonged usage, and for which you must immediately contact your physician.
Here is a partial list of those I consider most important; abdominal or
stomach pain or burning, bloody or black tarry stools, irregular heart beats,
menstrual problems, muscle cramps or pain and muscle weakness, nausea or
vomiting, swelling of the feet or lower legs, unusual bruising, unusual
tiredness or weakness or wounds that will not heal.  Since these medications
come in many forms, and bear many differing brand and generic names, it is
important to know when you are taking a medication from this classification of
drugs.  Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, and learn both the
generic and brand names of your medicines, and then write them down for future
use.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.