Both prednisone and azathioprine have side effects. Because high doses of prednisone are often needed to control autoimmune hepatitis, managing side effects is very important. Most side effects appear only after a long period of time.

Some Side Effects of Prednisone

• Weight gain.
• Anxiety and confusion.
• Thinning of the bones, a condition called osteoporosis.
• Thinning of the hair and skin.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Cataracts.
• Glaucoma.

Some Side Effects of Azathioprine

• Lower white blood cell counts.
• Nausea.
• Poor appetite.
• Rare side effects… allergic reaction, liver damage, and pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas gland with severe stomach pain.