4. Fluid Retention
Cortisone is involved in regulating the body’s balance of water, sodium, and other electrolytes. Hence, prednisone can promote fluid retention, typically in the lower legs.
While this can be managed somewhat by lowering your salt intake and taking diuretics, it’s still an uncomfortable side-effect (10).
Fluid retention is also a complication of drug-induced diabetes
5. Increased Urination
While prednisone causes fluid retention, it also acts as a diuretic. In fact, some patients experience nighttime urination or hourly urges in the day (11). Prednisone also increases protein loss through urine (12).
6. Weak Bones
All steroid therapy thins the bones and increases your risk of fractures. High doses and long-term prednisone use increase your risk of experiencing this side-effect.
However, low doses of prednisone may also reduce bone repair or renewal. At any dose, prednisone may have adverse effects on bone mass and/or bone strength.
Between 14-51% of patient will experience osteoporosis while taking the drug (13). In large doses, prednisone can cause “aseptic necrosis”, a condition characterized by the death of the bone.