Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Increased appetite and weight gain
Fluid retention and edema
Mood changes (insomnia, irritability, euphoria, depression)
Hyperglycemia (blood sugar elevation)
Increased susceptibility to infections
GI upset (take with food)
Cushing's syndrome (moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, striae — with prolonged use)
Adrenal suppression — HPA axis suppression requiring gradual taper to prevent adrenal crisis
Osteoporosis and pathological fractures (long-term use)
Avascular necrosis of bone (especially femoral head)
Cataracts and glaucoma (posterior subcapsular cataracts with long-term use)
Severe infections (reactivation of latent TB, fungal infections)
Peptic ulcer disease (especially with concurrent NSAIDs)
Myopathy (proximal muscle weakness)
Pancreatitis
Psychosis (at high doses)
Growth retardation in children with long-term use
Like all medications, Prednisone can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: