Thousands of people in a prednisone support group were asked “What do you wish you’d known before taking prednisone?” Hundreds answered, with many poignant comments about prednisone. Many were frustrated, but many are grateful that prednisone saved their lives.

Here is a breakdown of their responses; please note that one person’s response may have included several elements. For example, one person may have mentioned both weight gain and insomnia in the same comment. In this slide it shows the #1 issue is weight gain. The least surprising issue is insomnia or sleep disturbances. Below we will share a few comments made by people representative of the general feelings around that issue.

Sleep

• Insomnia

“Weight gain and moon face. Sleepless nights and frequent urination throughout the night.”

Cushing’s

• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Adrenal Insufficiency

“That it shuts off your adrenals and you become adrenal insufficient and it would destroy my life”

Hair Loss

• Destroy my skin

“That I’d loose between (possibly more) 1/4 – 1/2 hair while on the Devil’s Tic Tac. Every wash clumps would fall out.”

Dietary Changes

No salt, no sugar, no caffeine, no high fat. Pretty much just eat lettuce and you will be fine.😡

“The proper diet and nutrients to make me come off them healthy!!!”

Carbs are the enemy!!!!! X

Personally, I wish others knew to eat as healthfully as you can from day one of prednisone so you don’t gain weight. Limit refined carbs.

This is why I created a supplement for people on prednisone because we have a special nutrition need from what prednisone steals.

• Nutranize® Zone™ for people on prednisone*

Timing

“That I would still be on it 24 years later!“

“Once you start…..you will never end.”

“That it would change my life and that I would be on it for so long. 10 years and counting. 🙁”

Tapering

• Cannot stop suddenly

“I had no idea that I couldn’t just stop taking it, until I wound up in the ER. I didn’t understand that I may need it for the rest of my life.”

Withdrawal

• Syndrome: joint pains, aches, fever…

“That Tapering off is PAINFUL BITCH “

“I wish someone would have warned me about the withdrawal. I had NO IDEA. And most doctors say a person might say withdrawal can cause some mild aches. 😱. Nothing mild about it.”

Moods

• Roid rage
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain fog

“U r a completely different person while on the “devil drug” my god it’s horrific 😣 it’s changes my personality along with all its wonderful side effects!!!!”

Long-Term

• drug induced cataracts in both eyes

That life will never be the same 🙁

• Steroid myopathy

That it would cause my hip to disintegrate and I would be left in a wheelchair

That it would destroy my body

Bones

• Osteoporosis
• Avascular necrosis
• Teeth rot

That it would make my bones so thin that I would end up with a fractured vertebrae.

Weight Gain

• Horrible
• Absurd
• Moon Face

I’d gain about 80 pounds.. I’d get diabetes … I’d have blood pressure … I’d be miserable until I came off of the meds .. which also takes a lifetime to try and come off once you’re on.

Benefits Vs. Risks

That my body would be forever changed. That, for me, side effects aren’t worth it.

Read more about the Benefits vs. Risks of prednisone at the Nutranize website.

Below, you can watch Dr. Megan explain this Live on the Prednisone Warriors with Dr. Megan Facebook page:

Conclusion

Prednisone is a type of steroid that can help treat a variety of medical conditions, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with it, including weight gain, moon face, insomnia, Cushing’s syndrome, hair loss, skin changes, dietary changes and withdrawal symptoms.

Long-term use of prednisone can also put people at risk of developing cataracts, myopathy, osteoporosis and vascular necrosis, all of which can lead to joint and bone fractures.

Those thinking about using prednisone should talk to their doctor to discuss the pros and cons before deciding whether the benefits outweigh the risks. It is also important to taper off prednisone slowly, as going too fast can result in severe pain and fatigue.

Additionally, prednisone can cause uncomfortable mood swings.