Dear Dr. Rafferty,
I was prescribed 10-50mg of Prednisone daily for colitis from 1990 - 1994. I have since developed avascular necrosis. Is there a connection between the two?
L.D.
Dear L.D.,
While there are many good uses for prednisone, there are many possible side effects that can result from its use. Avascular necrosis is definitely associated with the use of steroids, usually after a long history of use. Other side effects include skin changes, weight gain, mood swings, increased appetite, and insomnia just to name a few. Most side effects go away if the prednisone is stopped, but avascular necrosis is not reversible with stoppage of the medication.
Dr. Janice Rafferty is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, currently working at the University of Cincinnati. She trained in General Surgery at the University of Cincinnati and did her residency in colon and rectal surgery at Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis. As a colon and rectal surgeon, she specializes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, colon and rectal cancer, and benign abnormalities of the pelvic floor and anorectum. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband Don, their son Jack and their two dogs and two cats.
From http://www.uoa.org/oq/oqaskdr.html |
