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Prednisone
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Facts You Should Know
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| Prednisone is used to treat symptomatic myopathy.
Myopathy means muscle disease; and can result in progressive weakness. Prednisone
is often prescribed for Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
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| Prednisone can lead to adrenal suppression (natural
production of a variety of steroid hormones) and suppression of the normal
immune response. |
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Side Effects
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Patients should be aware of potential side affects, which include:
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- fluid retention
- weight gain
- delayed wound healing
- bruising
- blood clots
- cataracts
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- increase blood pressure
- decrease calcium absorption, which can lead to osteoporosis
- irritation of the stomach: nausea
- depression
- euphoria
- hypertension
- loss of hair
- stroke (Giant Cell Arteritis)
- immune system suppression
- anorexia
- increase susceptibility to infection
- heart failure
- amnesia
- morbidity
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Side Effect Management
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Eat a diet high in protein, calcium, potassium, moderate in carbohydrates and low in sodium. Report to your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, black stools, unusual swelling, bone pain, non-healing sores, headaches, visual disturbances, or behavior changes.
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