Moon Face

[Celeste54]

I was hospitalized on April 21st due to a UC flareup - found out that my potassium was dangerously low - had no clue - was also put on prednisone IV 80 mg - then down to 60 - came home April 27th and was on 60 for another week - then down to 40mg - also receiving Remicaide - on June 5th I was told that I could start to wean myself off the prednisone - presently at 20 - tomorrow - 15 - WHEN will I see some change in my face - this is worse than it has ever been - I am lucky though because my face is the only place that there is excess weight!

HELP

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Long-term side-effects include Cushing's syndrome, weight gain, osteoporosis, glaucoma, type II diabetes mellitus, and depression upon withdrawal.
Symptoms include rapid weight gain, particularly of the trunk and face with sparing of the limbs (central obesity), a round face often referred to as a "moon face," excess sweating, telangiectasia (dilation of capillaries), thinning of the skin (which causes easy bruising) A common sign is the growth of fat pads along the collar bone and on the back of the neck(buffalo hump) ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing%27s_syndrome
You will start seeing some improvement when the drug dosage starts tapering off. Until then you are unfortunately saddled with the side-effects of Prednisone.At least some of them.