Question: Can prednisone be used long-term for treating fibromyalgia?

Answer:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammation related to asthma, arthritis, and other conditions.

Prednisone and other corticosteroids are usually only used short-term due to several serious side effects associated with long-term use.  For example, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to osteoporosis, cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system and infections, weight gain and many other side effects.






Despite these side effects, some people, such as those with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes require long-term, low-dose corticosteroids to maintain function of their joints.

Fibromyalgia is usually not treated with corticosteroids for a couple reasons. One reason is concern about side effects associated with corticosteroids.  Additionally, fibromyalgia does not seem to involve inflammation. Therefore, anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids would not be expected to offer much benefit.

Very little research has evaluated the use of corticosteroids for treating fibromyalgia.  

In fact, some fibromyalgia treatment guidelines specifically recommended against using corticosteroids for treating fibromyalgia.  (see EULAR Issues Guidelines for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome).

Treatment guidelines generally recommend tramadol, antidepressants (e.g., Prozac, Cymbalta),  or pregabalin (Lyrica).  These medications have all been shown to reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia.

Due to concerns about long-term side effects and the lack of scientific evidence supporting potential benefits (or lack thereof) of long-term corticosteroids for fibromyalgia, prednisone should not be considered a preferred treatment approach.  

Related Q&A:
Is Cymbalta (duloxetine) effective for treating fibromyalgia?


Answer posted: July 1, 2008