Forum on HIV and AIDS Related Cancers: Will prednisone shrink lymph nodes in HIV-infected persons?

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		Will prednisone shrink lymph nodes in HIV-infected persons? Jun 13, 2003 Would you know if prednisone would shrink swollen neck glands on a HIV infected person, I know that antibiotics only fight bacterial infections not viral infections but what about prednisone?


		Response from Dr. Dezube Prednisone will indeed shrink most lymph nodes. HOWEVER, I would not recommend taking prednisone in order to shrink lymph nodes. Prednisone is most often used to suppress/regulate the immune system (e.g. asthma, poison ivy, pneumocystis pneumonia). Prednisone has a very well characterized list of side effects. For the most part, it is ill-advised to take prednisone for the purpose of shrinking lymph nodes. Please note that swollen lymph nodes in HIV-infected folks are often a good sign. They indicate that the body is trying to fight off an infection. Why would you want to shrink such helpful lymph nodes?

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