Does prednisolone weaken the immune system?

Prednisolone is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid, which can affect the immune system. It is used to reduce inflammation and treat various conditions, but it also has the effect of weakening the immune system.

How Prednisolone Affects the Immune System:

1. Reduces Immune Response: Prednisolone can make the immune system less active. This means the body might not fight off infections as well as it usually does.
2. Impact on Skin Tests: Studies show that prednisolone can affect skin tests that check for immune reactions, like the tuberculin test used for tuberculosis.
3. Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Prednisolone can affect both the immediate (innate) and long-term (adaptive) parts of the immune system, as seen in research with children and adults.

While prednisolone is helpful for treating certain conditions, it's important to use it carefully because of its impact on the immune system. Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions when taking this medication.