What is Prednisone / prednisolone?
Synthetic corticosteroids that suppress inflammation and dampen the immune system (prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver). Prescribed for asthma, allergies, rheumatic disease, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and endocrine disorders, among others.
How well studied is Prednisone / prednisolone?
In use since the 1950s; efficacy in numerous conditions extensively documented.
What side effects and risks does Prednisone / prednisolone have?
Raised blood sugar (works against diabetes/GLP-1 therapy; diabetes drugs may need adjusting), susceptibility to infection, fluid retention and higher blood pressure, increased appetite and weight gain, mood swings up to depression, osteoporosis with long-term use. Do not stop abruptly after prolonged use (adrenal insufficiency). Higher risk of GI bleeding with NSAIDs.
Is Prednisone / prednisolone approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved in Germany/EU, prescription-only. WADA: glucocorticoids (S9) are prohibited in-competition when given orally, rectally or by injection. Taking it without a prescription and medical monitoring – e.g. bought from “peptide shops” – is dangerous: unknown quality, no lab checks, no adjustment to blood pressure, kidney values or other medicines.
Sources
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.