Prednisone, a drug classified as a glucocorticoid, a steroid hormone, has many medical uses, including decreasing inflammation. The perception that glucocorticoids cause an unhealthy rise in cholesterol levels exists, but study results on the effects of prednisone on serum cholesterol do not necessarily reflect this, according to a report published by Harvard Medical School researchers in the August 2005 issue of "Arthritis and Rheumatism." Take prednisone only as directed and in the amounts and duration prescribed by your physician.
Dose and Duration
The side effects of prednisone are both dose and duration specific; the longer you take the drug and the higher your doses, the more likely you are to develop side effects. Taking prednisone long term and for doses in excess of 40 mg per day, classified as a high dose, is most likely to cause Cushing syndrome. Low-dose prednisone, classified as a dose less than 7.5 mg per day and moderate doses of up to 40 mg per day, especially if taken short term, has less potential for causing symptoms.
Effects
When you take glucocorticoids long term, you may develop the symptoms seen in Cushing disease: fat redistribution, including a moon face; fat accumulation around the shoulder blades, known as a Buffalo hump; and thin skin that bruises easily. You may also develop high blood sugar, thyroid disturbances and abnormal lipid levels.
Study Results
A Finnish study published in the August 1988 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" looked at the short-term, seven-day low-dose 30 mg effect of Prednisone on cholesterol levels. The study, which examined data from the Third National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, showed that prednisone increased high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the "good" cholesterol, but did not raise low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol. The 2005 Harvard study also found that glucocorticoid use raised HDL levels in people over 60, but did not have an effect on people under age 60.
Caveats
Even if your cholesterol levels rise, do not stop taking prednisone suddenly if you've been taking the drug for more than four weeks. The adrenal glands, which produce corticoids, shrink when you take glucocorticoids. If you stop prednisone suddenly, your adrenal glands may not produce any corticoids, causing adrenal insufficiency. Taper prednisone gradually to give the adrenal glands a chance to recover; follow your doctor's instructions about how to reduce your dosage.
References
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Steroids (Oral Cortisone)
- "Arthritis & Rheumatism"; Glucocorticoid Use and Serum Lipid Levels in US Adults: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Hyon Choi, et al.; August 2005
- "JCEM"; Short-Term Effects of Prednisone on Serum Lipids and High Density Lipoprotein Subfractions in Normolipidemic Healthy Men; M. Taskinen, et al.; August 1988
- Drugs.com: Prednisone Side Effects
- MedlinePlus: Cushing Syndrome; November 2009
