How long does prednisone take to work and what can I expect while taking it?

Prednisone is a generic type of steroid that helps treat various conditions, particularly those related to inflammation. It is generally fast-acting.

Its anti-inflammatory effects are helpful for treating allergic conditions like eczema and asthma, and inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. The drug lowers your body’s immune system activity, which helps reduce symptoms like inflammation and itching.

As prednisone can take effect quickly, you may notice improvements in a matter of hours but might not experience the full benefits for a few days.

Knowing more about prednisone and how long it takes to work can help you feel confident about your treatment.

How long does prednisone take to work?

One of the main benefits of prednisone is that it’s fast-acting. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the medication can start working 1 to 2 hours after taking it. However, you might not see the full effects for about 1 to 4 days. This timeframe applies when using prednisone for inflammatory conditions and also for chest infections.

A delayed-release oral version of prednisone is available under the brand name Rayos. It releases the drug around 4 hours after taking it.

You’ll know prednisone is working when you start noticing relief from your inflammation symptoms. If you take it to treat an allergic reaction, you may notice relief from symptoms like itching.

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How long can you take prednisone?

There’s no set limit on how long you can take prednisone. It depends on the condition you’re taking it for and the dosage. But if you’re likely to take the medication long term, be aware of possible side effects.

Some of prednisone’s most common side effects include:

• weight gain
• gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea
• mood changes
• insomnia

If you take prednisone for more than a couple of weeks, you may start to experience long-term side effects.

Factors to look out for with long-term prednisone treatment include:

• Infections: Prednisone suppresses your immune system, so you’re at a higher risk of infection. Look out for symptoms of flu or sores that don’t heal.
• Cataracts: Long-term prednisone use raises the risk of developing cataracts (clouding of the eye) that can affect vision. Regular eye exams are important.
• High blood sugar: Since prednisone may raise your blood sugar, it can increase the risk of developing or worsening type 2 diabetes. You can speak with a doctor about checking your blood sugar.
• Osteoporosis: Due to the risk of osteoporosis, you’re more likely to experience a bone fracture. You can speak with a doctor about bone density screening and starting osteoporosis treatment if necessary.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can safely take prednisone or if you have any concerns about side effects.

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What can you expect when taking prednisone?

Prednisone works fast, so you’ll probably get some relief from symptoms right away, depending on your condition. Some mild side effects may begin to appear within the first week of taking it. You may be able to avoid these by following these tips:

• Avoid taking prednisone on an empty stomach: Taking prednisone with food will help lower your risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Avoid consuming excess salt while taking prednisone: A low-salt diet can help prevent some of the fluid retention and swelling associated with prednisone.
• Avoid taking prednisone close to bedtime: Prednisone can make you feel jittery, which can lead to insomnia. If possible, try to take it early in your day. This may help ease those symptoms by bedtime.
• Eat a balanced diet: This means plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and reduced-fat milk and cheeses. This will help you maintain a moderate weight and prevent high blood sugar, which can sometimes happen when you take prednisone.

Summary

Depending on your particular condition, you may benefit from treatment with prednisone. One of the main advantages of prednisone is how quickly it works. You can notice some improvements to symptoms almost straight away, and you’re likely to receive the full benefits within a week.

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