Cancer, Cancer Treatment

Prednisone, a corticosteroid that mimics a natural steroid produced by the adrenal gland, is a synthetic hormone that can be prescribed for individuals with sub-normal levels of cortisone in their systems. These steroids are needed for healthy bodily function and they play a key role in controlling inflammation, helping with organ transplant recovery, as well as the treatment of other serious diseases.

Prednisone is most often used to treat autoimmune diseases through the suppression of inflammation and immune response. In these patients, the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells or tissues, so a corticosteroid is ideal for relieving the painful and stressful symptoms that accompany these diseases. A few autoimmune diseases that you or someone you know may suffer from include Crohn’s Disease, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Prednisone can even be useful in the treatment of some forms of cancer, and is often combined with antibiotics for the treatment of pneumonia in AIDS patients with weakened immune systems. For those going through an organ transplant procedure, Prednisone moderates inflammation during the standard recovery period. In a healthy individual, the immune system targets any foreign substance that enters the body, but Prednisone disrupts this process in instances where we want the foreign material to continue to grow and function within the new host body.

While the list of practical medical uses is long and impressive, Prednisone does induce some undesirable side effects. As with most medications, the body will gain a tolerance for Prednisone over time, meaning a greater dosage will be required to achieve the same results. Similarly, if a patient suddenly abandons a Prednisone regimen, he or she can expect to experience severe withdrawal symptoms including an upset stomach, weight loss and appetite suppression, mouth sores, weakness, and lethargy. A combination of these side effects can be fatal; therefore a physician’s gradual dosage cutback is required to wean anyone off of Prednisone safely. Long term patients find that Prednisone leaches calcium from bones and slows the growth of new bone tissue, potentially causing arthritis or osteoporosis. In severe cases, osteonecrosis, or bone death can occur, as bones lose the necessary blood supply to grow. This result can be preventing by talking to your doctor if you experience joint pain or stiffness while on Prednisone.

To take preventative action against osteoporosis, or the weakening of bones to the point that they become brittle, Prednisone patients can take calcium supplements along with medications like Fosamax and Boniva. Either of these drugs will work to maintain critical bone density, and is highly recommended, especially for women over the age of 50.

A general list of side effects to watch for while taking Prednisone are:
- headaches and light-headedness
- loss of sexual appetite
- irregular periods
- muscle weakness and fatigue
- slowed healing of minor scrapes and bruises
- difficulty sleeping
- depression
- shortness of breath
- a tingling sensation in the extremities
- rash and/or itchiness
- seizures

Always contact your doctor to report side effects, discomfort, or any noticeable change in your body while on Prednisone.

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