Prednisone

Uses

Prednisone is a corticosteroid often used to treat autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body or to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works. Prednisone can be used in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases (juvenile dermatomyositis, severe urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Crohn's disease, pemphigus and sarcoidosis), uveitis, and various kidney diseases.

Dosing

Prednisone comes as a tablet or liquid and is take by mouth. Typically, Prednisone is taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day, depending on what it's being used to treat. You may be asked to take it a specific time each day. Because of the side effects involved, your dosage may be changed so that your doctor can get you to the lowest level that's effective.

Side Effects

There is a host of side effects associated with Prednisone. If any of these side effects are severe or persist, notify your doctor immediately: headache, dizziness, insomnia, inappropriate happiness, extreme changes in mood, changes in personality, bulging eyes, acne, thin, fragile skin, red or purple blotches or lines under the skin, slowed healing of cuts and bruises, increased hair growth, changes in the way fat is spread around the body, extreme tiredness, weak muscles, irregular or absent menstrual periods, decreased sexual desire, heartburn, or increased sweating.

More serious side effects may also be associated with Prednisone, including vision problems; eye pain; redness or tearing; sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection; seizures; depression; loss of contact with reality; confusion; muscle twitching or tightening; shaking of the hands that you cannot control; numbness; burning or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands; upset stomach; vomiting; lightheadedness; irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; shortness of breath especially during the night; dry, hacking cough; swelling or pain in the stomach; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. If you experience any of these side effects, immediately notify your physician.

Notes of Precaution

Prednisone may slow or stunt growth in children.

Prednisone may increase the risk that you develop osteoporosis.

Prednisone may increase the risk for developing Kaposi's sarcoma, a certain type of cancer.

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to prednisone or any other medications.

Notify your doctor if you have an eye infection or have ever had eye infections; or if you have diabetes; high blood pressure; emotional problems; mental illness; myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis; seizures; tuberculosis; ulcers; or liver, kidney, intestinal, heart, or thyroid disease.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Notify your doctor before any vaccinations.

Prednisone may increase your chance to develop infections or fight them. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands frequently.

Store Prednisone at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.