USE
Prednisone is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. It is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye problems, immune system diseases, and skin diseases.
How to use Prednisone - Oral
Take this medication by mouth with food to prevent stomach upset. If you are prescribed only one dose per day, take it in the morning before 9 A.M.
If you are taking this medication every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist .
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS
Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, bone pain (fracture), "coffee-ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding, heartburn, increased thirst and urination, irregular/fast/pounding heartbeat, menstrual period changes, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness/pain, persistent weight gain, puffy face, seizures, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), slow-healing wounds, stomach/abdominal pain, swelling of the feet/ankles, thinning skin, trouble breathing, unusual hair growth, unusual skin growths, vision changes.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking prednisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: untreated active fungal infections.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, history of blood clots, bone loss (osteoporosis), certain nerve/muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), diabetes, eye diseases (e.g., ocular herpes infection, cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems (congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, mental/mood conditions, other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, threadworm), severe liver disease (cirrhosis), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis), underactive thyroid.
Make sure your doctors know that you are taking this medication or have used it in the past.
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious (rarely fatal) infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur during treatment.
If your body is under severe stress due to major infection, surgery, or injury, your dose may need to be adjusted upward if you are using a very low dose of prednisone for a long time. Your body may not be able to make enough natural steroids. If you have stopped taking this drug within the past 12 months, consult your doctor. You may need to start taking it again if your body is under severe stress. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur when your body is under severe stress: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Tell your doctor if you are scheduling surgery.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication. If you are exposed to these infections, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this drug.
Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood (or urine) glucose level frequently, as directed by your doctor. Promptly report any abnormal results as directed. Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may need to be adjusted.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially osteoporosis.
Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent bone loss.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children. It may slow down a child's growth rate if given for prolonged periods. Monitor your child's height and growth rate regularly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to an unborn baby when it is used during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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