Gastrointestinal Problems: People who take prednisone increase their risk of developing gastric ulcer formation, gastritis and GI bleeding. The risk is four times higher when someone takes prednisone and an NSAID (such as ibuprofen) together. Other side effects include fatty liver and pancreatitis.
Some side effects, such as stomach upset or mood changes, can happen straight away. Others, such as getting a rounder face, happen after weeks or months.
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.
In the stomach, high doses of glucocorticoids inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis, thereby inhibiting the gastric alkaline response and producing severe gastric lesions.
Stomach upset
Prednisone may cause gastrointestinal symptoms when you take it on an empty stomach. What you can do: This one is pretty simple: Take your dose with food.
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.
Prednisone has a tendency to raise the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood, which can cause increased body fat or diabetes in some people. It is important to avoid "simple" carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as cakes, pies, cookies, jams, honey, chips, breads, candy and other highly processed foods.
The increase in stimulated acid output following prednisolone was the result of an increase in acid concentration. Stimulated secretory volume was not significantly altered by prednisolone. Gastric biopsies prior to prednisolone administration revealed chronic superficial gastritis in 5 of the 14 subjects.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen).
Stomach or intestinal problems.
It's possible for prednisone to cause stomach or intestinal problems, such as ulcers. If you already have a condition that affects your stomach or intestines, tell your doctor before starting prednisone treatment. Taking the drug can worsen it.
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.
If symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever or unusual digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation) occur during corticosteroid therapy, notify your physician.
Both prednisone and methylprednisolone are very strong medications. Doctors will try to use the lowest possible dosage that is effective, so they may increase or decrease the dosage during treatment.
Fluid retention (water weight gain): Prednisone makes your body hold on to sodium (salt) and lose potassium. 4 This combination can result in fluid retention and bloating. Increased appetite: You'll feel hungrier and, therefore, eat more.
Drinking plenty of water and exercising can help with fluid retention. Weight gain and increase in appetite – Sometimes if you are also taking an immunosuppressive, the appetite might be decreased.
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.
Prednisone generally works very quickly — usually within one to four days — if the prescribed dose is adequate to reduce your particular level of inflammation.
How to tell if the drug is working: You should experience less pain and swelling. There are also other signs that show that prednisone is effective, depending on the condition being treated. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about whether this medication is working.
People who stop using prednisone after a long time may experience symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome, such as: body aches. joint pain. a general feeling of being unwell.
If you stop taking prednisone abruptly, your body isn't prepared to resume production so quickly, and withdrawal symptoms will occur. These include weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.