General Information and Indications:
Prednisone is used alone or with other
medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of
certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for
normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions
in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include
certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a
disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in
which the body attacks many of its own organs); and certain conditions that
affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and
intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of
certain types of cancer. Prednisone is in a class of medications called
corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of
corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally
by the body. It works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and
redness and by changing the way the immune system works.
Information For Users:
Prednisone comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and a
concentrated solution to take by mouth. Prednisone is usually taken with
food one to four times a day or once every other day. Your doctor will
probably tell you to take your dose(s) of prednisone at certain time(s) of
day every day. Your personal dosing schedule will depend on your condition
and on how you respond to treatment. Follow the directions on your
prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions.
Take prednisone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take
it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking the concentrated solution, use the specially marked
dropper that comes with the medication to measure your dose. You may mix the
concentrated solution with juice, other flavored liquids, or soft foods such
as applesauce.
Your doctor may change your dose of prednisone often during your treatment
to be sure that you are always taking the lowest dose that works for you.
Your doctor may also need to change your dose if you experience unusual
stress on your body such as surgery, illness, infection, or a severe asthma
attack. Inform your doctor if your symptoms improve or get worse or if you
get sick or have any changes in your health during your treatment.
If you are taking prednisone to treat a long-lasting disease, the medication
may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue taking
prednisone even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking prednisone
without informing your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking prednisone, your
body may not have enough natural steroids to function normally. This may
cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, slowed movements, upset
stomach, weight loss, changes in skin color, sores in the mouth, and craving
for salt, and may cause death. Call your doctor if you experience these or
other unusual symptoms while you are taking decreasing doses of prednisone
or after you stop taking the medication.
Other uses for this medicine
Prednisone is also sometimes used with antibiotics to treat a certain type
of pneumonia in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to prednisone, any other medications, or any of the inactive
ingredients in prednisone tablets or solutions. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to
take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone,
Pacerone); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin);
certain antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox),
ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend);aprepitant (Emend); aspirin;
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet);
clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpak); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others);
dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak); diuretics ('water pills'); efavirenz (Sustiva);
fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); griseofulvin (Fulvicin,
Grifulvin, Gris-PEG); HIV protease inhibitors including atazanavir (Reyataz),
indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept),
ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase);
hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, and
injections); lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor); medications for diabetes;
nefazodone; nevirapine (Viramune); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin,
Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate);
sertraline (Zoloft); troleandomycin (TAO); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin,
Verelan); and zafirlukast (Accolate).Your doctor may need to change the
doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o Inform your doctor what herbal products you are taking or plan to take,
especially St. John's wort.
o Inform your doctor if you have an eye infection now or have ever had eye
infections that come and go and if you have or have ever had threadworms (a
type of worm that can live inside the body); diabetes; high blood pressure;
emotional problems; mental illness; myasthenia gravis (a condition in which
the muscles become weak); osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become
weak and fragile and can break easily); seizures; tuberculosis (TB); ulcers;
or liver, kidney, intestinal, heart, or thyroid disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking prednisone, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, or need emergency
medical treatment, tell the doctor, dentist, or medical staff that you are
taking or have recently stopped taking prednisone. You should carry a card
or wear a bracelet with this information in case you are unable to speak in
a medical emergency.
o do not have any vaccinations (shots to prevent diseases) without informing
your doctor.
o you should know that prednisone may decrease your ability to fight
infection and may prevent you from developing symptoms if you get an
infection. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often
while you are taking this medication. Be sure to avoid people who have
chicken pox or measles. call your doctor without delay if you think you may
have been around someone who had chicken pox or measles.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Prednisone may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o dizziness
o difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
o exaggerated or inappropriate happiness
o extreme changes in mood
o changes in personality
o bulging eyes (Exophthalmos or Proptosis)
o acne
o thin, fragile skin
o red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
o slowed healing of cuts and bruises
o increased hair growth
o changes in the way fat is spread around the body
o extreme tiredness
o weak muscles
o irregular or absent menstrual periods
o decreased sexual desire
o heartburn
o increased sweating
Some adverse effects could be serious. If you have any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o vision problems
o eye pain, redness, or tearing
o sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
o seizures
o depression
o loss of contact with reality
o confusion
o muscle twitching or tightening
o shaking of the hands that you cannot control
o numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o lightheadedness
o irregular heartbeat
o sudden weight gain
o shortness of breath, especially during the night
o dry, hacking cough
o swelling or pain in the stomach
o swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet,
ankles, or lower legs
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o rash
o hives (Urticaria)
o itching
Brand Name(s):
o Prednisone Intensol®
o Sterapred®
o Sterapred® DS |
