What are the side effects associated with the long-term use of prednisone?
Long-term treatment with high-dose prednisone is associated with complications. These complications may include avascular necrosis (a degeneration of the bones, often in the hips), glucose intolerance requiring the use of insulin, infections, hypertension (high blood pressure), weight gain, changes in body or face shape (“moon face”), cataracts, osteoporosis (decreased bone density), mood swings, problems with sleep, and slowing of growth in children.
