If you have lupus, you’ve probably used prednisone to help treat your symptoms. There’s also a good chance you may have taken it before getting diagnosed with lupus to help with other health issues.

Prednisone is a steroid medication that comes with a range of side effects. Members of MyLupusTeam have asked about how prednisone might affect their blood test results.

“My primary care provider prescribed me prednisone for a respiratory infection,” one member shared. “I have an appointment with the rheumatologist next week for blood work to follow up on a biopsy for my lupus. What effect will the prednisone have on my blood work?”

In this article, we’ll explore everything you should know about blood work and prednisone, particularly how it could impact your test results.

What Blood Tests Are Used To Diagnose Lupus?

To diagnose lupus, doctors review a person’s medical history and the results of several types of exams and tests — often including different blood tests.

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) measures the numbers and types of cells in your blood. Lupus can decrease the number of platelets (cells important for blood clotting), red blood cells, and white blood cells (immune cells) in your blood.

Antibody Tests

Your body normally uses antibodies to fight off bacteria and viruses, but in lupus, your body makes antibodies that fight itself. Antibody tests look for these antibodies. One of the most common antibody tests used is the antinuclear antibody test.

Blood Clotting Test

Lupus can change how fast your blood clots, which, in extreme cases, can cause strokes. The blood clotting test measures how quickly your blood forms a clot.

Serum Complement Tests

Complement is a protein in your blood that is used up when your body produces inflammation. Low levels of complement in your blood could mean you have high inflammation levels, potentially from lupus.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) examines how fast your red blood cells settle in a tube. If your body has high levels of inflammation, these cells may stick together and settle faster.

What Blood Tests Do Steroids Affect?

Prednisone may change the results of several of the tests used to diagnose lupus. These tests may include:

• CBC — Both prednisone and lupus can change the number of red blood cells and immune cells in your body and cause an abnormal CBC test result.
• Antibody levels — Prednisone may lower the production of antibodies overall, including the autoantibodies that your body makes when you have lupus.
• ESR — With lower inflammation because of prednisone, your ESR may return to normal.

Before you start taking a steroid like prednisone, your doctor will often order several blood tests to see your results before treatment. This is called your baseline and can help your doctor know which side effects they need to watch for when you are taking prednisone.

Prednisone can affect the results of several other tests used to diagnose lupus, such as:

• Fasting lipid profile
• Blood sugar tests
• Electrolyte levels
• Cortisol levels

Fasting Lipid Profile

This test is used to determine the baseline level of fats in your blood. Prednisone can raise the levels of fats such as cholesterol. Fasting means that the test must be taken before eating or drinking anything besides water.

Blood Sugar Tests

Taking prednisone long term can lead to high blood sugar and potentially diabetes. Increased blood sugar levels would show up on blood sugar tests.

Electrolyte Levels

When taking prednisone, remember that it can affect the levels of certain minerals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. These changes can be detected through blood tests, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor and manage any imbalances to ensure your overall well-being.

Cortisol Levels

After you stop taking prednisone, especially in high doses, your body might have a hard time making cortisol again. This is known as adrenal suppression and can cause you to feel tired all the time. To test for this condition, your doctor might measure your cortisol levels to see if they have returned to normal.

Taking Prednisone To Treat Lupus Symptoms

Prednisone is often prescribed to help manage the symptoms of inflammation caused by lupus. Prednisone can also help treat other diseases or complications from lupus. One way prednisone prevents inflammation is by suppressing cortisol production. Cortisol is a “stress” hormone that can increase inflammation.

Prednisone is commonly used to treat various symptoms of lupus, including:

• Inflammation and pain
• Skin rashes
• Breathing difficulties
• Other complications

Inflammation and Pain

Inflammation caused by lupus can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. It can help decrease inflammation to reduce these symptoms.

Skin Rashes

Many people with lupus experience rashes on their skin, which can be itchy and painful. Discoid lupus, a type of lupus that affects the skin, causes sores on the scalp and face. Prednisone can help make these symptoms less severe.

Breathing Difficulties

Lupus can cause inflammation in the lungs, which can make breathing more difficult. Prednisone can help reduce this inflammation and improve lung function. It calms the immune system’s overreaction, allowing for better lung function and easier breathing.

Other Complications

Lupus can sometimes lead to complications such as kidney damage and blood clots. Prednisone may be used to help manage these complications and prevent them from getting worse.

Side Effects of Prednisone

While prednisone may be effective in helping manage lupus symptoms, it can also cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects of prednisone include:

• Weight gain — Prednisone can cause you to hold on to water weight (fluid retention) and increase your appetite, leading to weight gain in some people.
• Hair and skin changes — Long-term use of prednisone can cause acne, bruising, and facial hair.
• Insomnia — Some people may have difficulty sleeping while taking prednisone.
• Mood changes — Prednisone can cause mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
• Increased risk of infections — Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• High blood pressure and blood sugar — Prednisone can cause an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which is especially concerning for those with diabetes.

Prednisone can also cause changes in electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that your body uses to survive. Prednisone can decrease the levels of potassium and calcium and increase the levels of sodium in your body. Lower calcium levels in your body can lead to osteoporosis (bone weakness and loss).

It’s important to understand prednisone’s potential side effects and communicate any concerns to your doctor. They can help determine if the benefits of prednisone treatment outweigh the risks.

How Long Do Steroids Affect Blood Work?

Prednisone stays in your system for 16.5 to 22 hours after you take it. But even long after the immediate effects wear off, your blood work may still be affected.

Make sure your doctors know if you’re currently taking prednisone or if you’ve taken it recently. You may consider carrying a steroid treatment card or wearing a medical alert bracelet in case you’re unable to talk to your doctor about your prednisone use.

You shouldn’t hold off on getting certain tests just because of prednisone unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. They can take your prednisone use into account when reviewing your results.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Did you end up with false blood work results because of a medication you were taking? If so, what happened? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyLupusTeam.