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A member asked:
Is taking steroids for autoimmune disorder inflammation going to have long term health effects? currently taking prednisone.
10 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Possibly: Check with your doctor to lessen the risk.
Answered 6/15/2015
2.7k views
Yes long term steroi: Long term prednisone is a corticosteroid. It his long-term side effects, including bone loss, osteoporosis, diabetes, cataracts, fractures, Ostenecrosis, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and a variety of others. You need to discuss with your physician, see what medicines you can take to decrease the dose of corticosteroids, you need to see a rheumatologist to help through this
Answered 6/16/2015
2.7k views
Weigh risks/benefits: When prescribing a med which can have significant long-term side effects(for prednisone:osteoporosis,weight gain, hypertension, diabetes),we weigh med's risks vs benefits.Some autoimmune diseases can cause activity limitations or do substantial/life-threatening damage to the body; prednisone's benefits may outweigh risks. Alternative meds, or meds allowing lower prednisone doses, may be available.
Answered 6/16/2015
2.7k views
Possibly: It depends on the daily dose and the length of time it is taken. Short courses are usually not an issue but side effects are often major with long term use.
Answered 6/17/2015
2.7k views
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