Prednisone a man-made version of a hormone hormone: A part of the endocrine system that serves as the body's chemical messengers. Hormones move through the bloodstream to transfer information and instruction from one set of cells to another. produced naturally by the adrenal gland that can help reduce inflammation and stop allergic responses. It is prescribed when the body is not producing enough of this chemical on its own.
How does it work?
For PNH, it may be used to decrease hemolysis hemolysis: (hi-MOL-uh-suss) The destruction of red blood cells. caused by PNH. It may make the complement system complement system: A group of proteins that move freely in the bloodstream. These proteins support (complement) the work of white blood cells by fighting infections. less active. Prednisone does not stop all hemolysis, however, and it does have a lot side effects, especially if taken for a long time. Currently, doctors disagree about whether it should be used by PNH patients.
For aplastic anemia aplastic anemia: (ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia is a condition that happens when red blood cell count is low. Most… it may be used to stop the effects of serum sickness serum sickness: An immune system reaction to foreign proteins in certain medicines. Serum sickness can be a side effect of ATG, causing fever, rash, joint pain, and muscle aches. after immunosuppressive therapy immunosuppressive therapy: Immunosuppressive drug therapy lowers your body's immune response. This prevents your immune system from attacking your bone marrow, allowing bone marrow stem cells to grow, which raises blood counts. For older patients with acquired aplastic anemia, immunosuppressive drug therapy is the… with ATG.
Prednisone may also increase counts of white blood cells and platelets in some bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… patients.
What are common side effects?
Some common side effects of Prednisone include:
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- mood changes
- increased appetite
- acne
- increased sweating
- dry or thinning skin
- slow wound healing
- headache, dizziness, spinning sensation
- nausea, stomach pain
Most people who take prednisone for a long time use it only every other day. This schedule eases the most severe side effects of prednisone.