Side Effects Of Prednisone

Prednisone is a widely used medication that belongs to a family of drugs referred to as corticosteroids, which are very similar to the naturally-produced hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and alters the way the immune system is functioning, helps the brain use glucose more efficiently, suppresses the digestive system, and slows growth processes. However, corticosteroids are used to decrease the action of the immune system when it is causing more harm than good. Numerous diseases and conditions can produce abnormalities of the immune system that may need treatment with corticosteroids such as prednisone. Prednisone helps stop the body from making the chemicals responsible for the inflammatory responses. Prednisone is most often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, vasculitis, skin conditions, breathing disorders, ulcerative colitis, and allergic disorders.