There are many types of steroids prescribed for different medical conditions. Of such meds, a sub-genre known as corticosteroids is administered as part of select treatment. One of popular outcomes of corticosteroids is their capability to treat inflammation and / or swelling. In this milieu, prednisone is a commonly administered corticosteroid. It is used for painful joint, a few skin problems, immunity-system related disorders, allergic reactions, etc. But, how long can you use prednisone in a safe manner? It is essential to have added details on this front.
Steroids of the corticosteroid genre have multiple uses; these meds are used to minimize the effects of your immunity. As a result, it can treat allergies like itchiness, rashes, hives, and also a few autoimmune problems like joint / knee pains, etc. Prednisone is a widely prescribed corticosteroid. It is used to control the effects of your immunity cells; as a result, responses of your inbuilt mechanism at a subdued level.
Your treating doctor is unlikely to stop your dosage plan of prednisone all of a sudden. It is a good practice to reduce the dosage strength of your last dosages of prednisone. This tapered mode of stopping your medication plan prevents likely incidence of symptoms like being dizzy or drowsy, involuntary shaking of your body and / or tremors. In general, you are advised to keep away from tasks requiring a high level of focus and coordination. Also, it is a wise thing to refrain from driving or working on heavy machinery.
How long can you take this steroidal med prednisone safely?
There is no time limit set for the safe intake of prednisone. Duration of your medication plan is influenced by the underlying condition as well as the dosage strength of this corticosteroid. This med is taken over a shorter span of time and also for a longer time span. The strength of doses is modified based on how well your body reacts to the first few doses; also, the side effects such doses cause to your system influence the timeline of your medication plan.
For instance, an allergy may only need this med over a very short term. On the other hand, conditions such as multiple sclerosis may need you to take it for 4 to 5 weeks. For some chronic conditions, this med is taken for a longer timeline; in such cases, alternate day therapy (in short, ADT) is adopted. Such an approach is considered safer than taking this steroidal med on a daily basis.
In case of children, this drug is likely to stunt normal growth. Hence, this med is always taken under the supervision and directions of a qualified medical practitioner.
Additional inputs for the safe use of prednisone
It is highly recommended not to stop taking prednisone without telling your doctor. People who discontinued this corticosteroid without the consent of their physician developed frequent episodes of headache / migraine, staying tired almost at all times, overall bodily weakness, abdominal problems like vomiting, indigestion / dyspepsia and nausea. If you notice any such discomforts, seek support from a clinical setting – like a clinic or a hospital – without any delay.
If you are experiencing side effects such as dehydration, marked changes in sugar-levels, ulcers or internal bruising, mental conditions such as phobias, anxieties, depression, hallucination, etc. talk to your doctor on an emergency basis. These discomforts are more likely to show up in people who took alcohol along with corticosteroids like prednisone. Those living with type-2 form of diabetes may encounter a sudden increase in weight, pancreatitis (i.e., inflammation of pancreas), bone loss or brittle bones, etc.
Owing to such risks, it is a key thing to tell your caregiver of prior autoimmune conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis or knee problems. Upon sensing intense level of giddiness or if you are passing out, reach out to 911 in the US or call a poison control cell if you are in Canada.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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