Prednisone is a commonly prescribed corticosteroid used to treat inflammation. But since it’s processed through the liver, it may increase your risk of NAFLD.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that’s caused by the buildup of fat in the liver. NAFLD doesn’t always cause symptoms, nor does it always lead to further compilations. But it can increase the risk of more serious liver health conditions.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that doctors use to treat inflammation in a variety of health conditions. But because your liver processes this medication, it might not be the best choice if you’re already at high risk of NAFLD.
This article looks at how prednisone affects liver function and may increase your risk for NAFLD.
Fast facts about NAFLD
- NAFLD is a liver health condition that happens when excess fat builds up in your liver.
- NAFLD is very common.
About 24% of U.S. adults and 25% of the global population have NAFLD. - Some people are unaware they have NAFLD because the condition often causes no symptoms.
- The risk of NAFLD increases with conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Prednisone is a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. It lowers your immune system’s response and can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Doctors prescribe prednisone and other corticosteroid medications to treat conditions such as:
- lupus
- multiple sclerosis
- eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions
- certain types of arthritis
- thyroid disorders
- certain lung, kidney, stomach, and blood conditions
- cancer symptoms
Prednisone acts as a replacement for steroids that are normally produced by your body. Steroids are processed in your liver. This means that your liver will process medications such as prednisone. And this can increase your risk for NAFLD.
But, sometimes, prednisone can help your liver. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can reduce inflammation throughout your body, including in your liver.
Doctors usually prescribe prednisone to lower liver inflammation, especially the liver inflammation that occurs due to autoimmune hepatitis. For many people with liver inflammation, the benefit of prednisone is greater than the increased risk of NAFLD.
Prednisone can increase the risk of NAFLD. If you already have NAFLD, your doctor might suggest different options to treat inflammation or prescribe a low dose.
Depending on your condition, a doctor may suggest alternatives to prednisone that may be suitable for you. These may include:
- lifestyle changes
- physical therapy
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
If your doctor prescribes prednisone, they may regularly check your liver to ensure your NAFLD is not worsening.
Taking prednisone and other corticosteroids is a risk factor for NAFLD. The risk increases the longer you take one of these medications.
According to a
Other risk factors for NAFLD include:
- having overweight or obesity
- having high cholesterol
- having high triglycerides
- having high blood pressure
- having metabolic syndrome
- experiencing rapid weight loss
- experiencing malnutrition for any reason
- being exposed to certain toxins
- having a condition that causes your body to store fat irregularly
Studies on additional risk factors for NAFLD are still ongoing. For instance, researchers are looking into whether the following factors play a role in its development:
- genetics
- family history
- ethnicity
- gender
- diet
- environment
NAFLD is more common in
Corticosteroids aren’t the only medications that can increase the risk of NAFLD. Other medications linked to developing NAFLD include:
- estrogen therapy medications
- cancer treatment medications
- HIV treatment medications
Additionally, certain medications can be hard on your liver. These medications can increase the risk of multiple types of liver damage and disease. They include:
- antibiotics
- antiseizure drugs
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- certain heart medications
- some supplements and vitamins, especially at high doses
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication. Your liver processes this medication, and it can increase your risk of NAFLD.
If you already have or are at high risk of NAFLD, you might need to consider alternative medications or take prednisone at low doses. Depending on your condition, a doctor may suggest alternatives to prednisone that may be suitable for you.
Prednisone is one of several factors that can increase the risk of NAFLD. You can manage other risk factors through lifestyle changes. These risk factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and insulin resistance.
Your doctor can help you create a plan to lower your risk of NAFLD.