Avoid prednisone if you have an active infection. Prednisone suppresses your immune system, making your body less able to fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This increased susceptibility can lead to serious complications. A simple infection might become life-threatening.
Increased Severity and Spread of Infections
Studies show prednisone use significantly increases the risk of developing severe infections and the spread of existing ones. For example, a simple pneumonia might progress rapidly into a more serious, potentially fatal form. The drug can also mask symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment, thus worsening the prognosis. This is particularly dangerous for infections like tuberculosis, which might remain undetected until advanced stages due to suppressed immune response.
Specific Infections and Prednisone Interactions
Prednisone’s interaction with specific infections varies. Some fungal infections, such as candidiasis, become harder to treat while on prednisone. Similarly, certain viral infections can become more severe. Your doctor must carefully weigh the benefits against the risks, especially if you have a history of recurrent or serious infections. If treatment with prednisone is unavoidable, close monitoring for infection signs is mandatory, and prophylactic antifungal or antiviral medications may be necessary.
