Prednisone is a corticosteroid and is used to treat severe allergies, asthma, multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis and skin conditions. It works by decreasing or preventing tissues from responding to inflammation, and it modifies the body’s response to some immune stimulation.
Method of Use
Take orally with food. If you miss a dose, take as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is, skip the missed dose and return to your regular scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture, out of the reach of children and animals. Do not store in the bathroom.
Advise Notes
Do not take Prednisone if you are allergic to any ingredients, or you have a systemic fungal infection, or you are currently taking mifepristone. If you have any of the following, seek advice from your medical practitioner before starting to take Prednisone:
- If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
- If you are taking any prescription/non-prescription medications, herbal preparations or dietary supplements.
- If you have any allergies to foods, medicines or other substances.
- If you are scheduled to receive a vaccination for a live virus vaccine (e.g. smallpox).
- If you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problem, diabetes or ulcerative colitis.
- If you have a heart condition, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or perforation, or an ulcer.
- If you have a history of mental health problems, such as depression.
- If you have a herpes infection in your eye or other type of infection, or have recently suffered from TB (tuberculosis) or tested positive for TB, measles or chickenpox.
If you are taking any of the following, seek medical advice prior to taking Prednisone:
- Barbiturates or rifampin – effectiveness may decrease.
- Clarithromycin azole anti-fungals, steroidal contraceptives or troleandomycin due to side effects, such as weakness, confusion, muscle aches, joint pain or low blood pressure may happen.
- Methotrexate or ritodrine – side effects may increase.
- Hydantoins, mifepristone or live vaccines – effectiveness may decrease.
- Anticoagulants or aspirin – side effects may increase or decrease.
Tell your dentist or doctor if you are taking Prednisone before you receive any dental care, emergency care or surgery. Prednisone may cause higher blood pressure, salt and water retention, as well as increased potassium loss so you may need to take a supplement. Prednisone may affect your blood sugar level if you are a diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and seek medical advice if necessary.
Potential Side Effects
If you experience any of the following, seek medical advice immediately:
- Sleeping difficulties.
- Dizziness or whirring motion.
- Increase or decrease in appetite.
- Increased sweating.
- Indigestion.
- Changes in mood or behaviour, depression, exaggerated sense of well-being, mood swings, personality changes.
- Nervousness.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest.
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or face, puffing of face, swelling of feet or legs.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Changes in menstrual periods.
- Convulsions.
- Fever, body discomfort, prolonged sore throat, cold.
- Headache, increased pressure in the eye.
- Joint or muscle pain, muscle weakness.
- Severe nausea, vomiting.
- Unusual weight gain or loss.