prednisone immune system

What does prednisone do to your immune system

Prednisolone is a medicine used to treat a wide range of health problems including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, inflammation, infections and certain cancers and to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.

It helps by reducing swelling (inflammation) and can also calm down your immune system. This helps autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, where your immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Prednisolone is a steroid or corticosteroid medicine. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.

Prednisolone is available only on prescription as tablets and as a liquid you swallow. It can also be given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital.

Key facts

  • It's best to take prednisolone tablets or liquid once a day in the morning so it does not keep you awake.
  • The most common side effects are problems sleeping, weight gain and indigestion.
  • Taking prednisolone can make you more likely to get infections. Tell your doctor if you get an infection, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you're exposed to infectious illnesses like chickenpox, shingles or measles.
  • If you take prednisolone for more than 3 weeks, or you're on a high dose, you'll get a blue steroid card. You may also need to carry a (red) steroid emergency card. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about both of these.
  • You will need to carry a steroid emergency card if you take dexamethasone to treat Addison’s disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, other adrenal problems, adrenal insufficiency or hypothalamic or pituitary disorder. Do not stop taking prednisolone if you're taking it for these conditions.
  • Do not stop taking prednisolone suddenly if you've been on it for more than 3 weeks or have taken high doses (more than 40mg) for more than 1 week. This can cause withdrawal side effects.

Page last reviewed: 24 February 2022
Next review due: 24 February 2025

What is prednisolone?

Prednisolone is an active ingredient that belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of cortisol. They help reduce inflammation in your body or suppress your immune system.

To get prednisolone, you must have a prescription written for you by a doctor.

What is prednisolone used for?

Prednisolone helps reduce inflammation in your body. Symptoms of inflammation may include swelling, redness, pain, tenderness or itching in any part of your body.

Prednisolone is used to treat many different conditions, including:

  • severe allergies
  • asthma
  • arthritis
  • skin problems
  • inflammatory diseases of the bowel
  • autoimmune diseases, where your immune system mistakenly attacks normal cells in your body

How does prednisolone work?

Prednisolone enters the cells that cause inflammation and blocks the body’s inflammatory reaction. It reduces the symptoms of some conditions, but is not a cure.

What forms of prednisolone are available?

Prednisolone is the name of the active ingredient. It is available in many different brands, which have different:

  • names
  • appearances (size, shape or colour)
  • forms (tablets, liquid, eye drops and suppositories)

No matter which brand you are prescribed, prednisolone works in the same way to treat your condition.

What are the possible side effects of prednisolone?

Prednisolone helps most people who take it, but some people experience side effects.

Generally, the risk of side effects is low if you take prednisolone for a short time. Your risk increases if you take high doses of prednisolone for a long time.

Common side effects of prednisolone, especially with high doses for long periods, include:

  • fluid retention, which can lead to heart problems
  • trouble sleeping
  • bloating of the face and swelling of the abdomen
  • weight gain
  • irregular periods
  • muscle cramps
  • thin skin with easy bruising and acne
  • slowed growth in children
  • osteoporosis (thinning of the bone)

Less common side effects of prednisolone include:

  • headaches
  • diarrhoea or constipation
  • nausea, vomiting or anorexia
  • cataracts
  • increased frequency or severity of infections
  • reduced thyroid function

Some side effects can only be picked up by your doctor. If you take prednisolone for long periods of time, you should have regular check-ups.

See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital if you experience any of these serious side effects:

  • severe stomach or gut pain
  • epileptic fits
  • sudden changes in your vision
  • symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, weakness, chest pain or irregular heart beat
  • mental disturbances

It is important to take prednisolone as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you would like to lower your dose or stop taking prednisolone. Stopping it suddenly might cause serious side effects and can be dangerous.

This is not a full list of side effects. For more information about the risks of side effects, read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for the brand of prednisolone you are taking or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I speak to my doctor?

Speak to your doctor if you:

  • experience side effects that trouble you
  • have signs of an allergic reaction
  • have a health condition or are taking medication that may affect how your body reacts to prednisolone
  • become pregnant or start breastfeeding

See the CMI for full details about when to speak with your doctor before or after you have started taking prednisolone.

Are there alternatives to prednisolone?

Because prednisolone is used for many medical conditions, its alternatives depend on the condition you’re taking it for.

More information

Asking about your treatment or medication is important to help you understand your options. Read our guide to important questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.

You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain prednisolone to read the CMI for the brand of prednisolone prescribed.

How long does it take for your immune system to recover after prednisone?

The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half. It usually takes around 5.5 x half-life for a drug to be completely eliminated from your system. This is (5.5 x 3) 16.5 hours to (5.5 x 4) 22 hours for Prednisone.

Does steroids break down your immune system?

Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against illness and infection.

How can I boost my immune system when taking prednisone?

Vital Information: A new study shows that vitamin D, taken in combination with steroids, can enhance the effect of these drugs to subdue an overactive immune system. The addition of vitamin D may lower the dosage of steroids needed, and avoid some of their side effects, such as infection and weight gain.

Related Posts

Can i take tylenol or ibuprofen with prednisone
Does short term prednisone weaken your immune system

Toplist

Latest post

TAGs