Prednisone for Muscular dystrophy

Overview
Prednisone is a corticosteroid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating inflammatory and immune-related conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and certain cancers. It is also used off-label (not FDA-approved for this specific use) to help slow muscle weakening in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sometimes in Becker muscular dystrophy​​. In these types of muscular dystrophy, prednisone is prescribed to help maintain muscle strength and reduce the rate of physical decline. 

As a corticosteroid, prednisone works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing immune system activity. In muscular dystrophy, this effect may help reduce the muscle cell damage caused by an overactive immune response, slowing down disease progression and preserving physical function​​.

How do I take it?
Prednisone for muscular dystrophy is typically taken as an oral tablet, once daily with food. The treatment is generally prescribed for long-term use to sustain muscle strength, and dosing adjustments may be made based on a person’s response and side effects. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider​​.

Side effects
Common side effects of prednisone include weight gain, increased appetite, insomnia, mood changes, and acne. Long-term use can lead to additional side effects such as osteoporosis (bone weakening), fluid retention, hypertension (high blood pressure), delayed growth in children, and an increased risk of infections.

Rare but serious side effects may include cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcers (which may cause gastrointestinal bleeding), and adrenal insufficiency (when the body cannot produce enough natural steroids if prednisone is abruptly stopped). Prednisone can also increase susceptibility to severe infections. In some cases, prednisone may also cause psychiatric symptoms, including depression, severe mood swings, and steroid-induced psychosis.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Long-Term Benefit From Prednisone Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy — Neurology

Steroids (Corticosteroids) — Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Prednisone — Drugs.com