Prednisone

Prednisone is in the class of medications called corticosteroids used to treat several conditions like:

• Psoriasis
• Skin conditions
• Ulcerative colitis
• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Allergic disorders
• Breathing disorders

This medication also treats Addison’s disease. It is a condition where the adrenal glands are not capable of producing even the least quantity of corticosteroid that the body needs.

Prednisone works in various ways;

• Decreases inflammation by stopping cells from releasing chemicals that generally help create immune and allergic responses.
• Helps regulate a wide number of illness states that include extreme inflammation, including inflammation of the lungs in asthma, inflammation of the joints in arthritis, and severe allergic reactions
• Lessens the numbers of white blood cells circulating in the blood. It makes a useful treatment for autoimmune diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body’s tissues
• Avoids rejection of organ transplants by stopping the body from attacking foreign tissue
• Useful for the treatment of certain types of blood cancer where there is too much production of white blood cells

The FDA approved this prescription because it has many important functions on every organ system. If the level of steroid hormones in the body is too low, this should be treated with replacement therapy to let the body to function normally. Prednisolone can also be used for this purpose.

When and How To Use Prednisone

• Prednisolone is usually taken along with food, 1 to 4 times a day or once every other day.
• Your doctor will tell you to take the medicine at a certain time each day.
• Your dosing will depend on how you respond to the treatment and on your condition.
• If you will take Prednisolone for the treatment of a long-lasting disease, this may help control the condition but will not cure it.
• Carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and ask them to explain the part that you did not understand.

Possible Side Effects of Prednisone 

Prednisone might cause side effects. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Difficulty staying asleep or falling asleep
• Inappropriate happiness
• Acne
• Extreme changes in mood
• Bulging eyes
• Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• Red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• Increased hair growth
• Weak muscles
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Increased sweating
• Heartburn

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor straight away:

• Vision problems
• Eye redness, pain, or tearing
• Cough, sore throat, chills, fever, or other signs of infection
• Depression
• Seizures
• Loss of contact with reality
• Muscle twitching or tightening
• Confusion
• Shaking of the hands that you cannot control
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath, especially during the night
• Sudden weight gain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dry cough
• Swelling or pain in the stomach
• Hives
• Rash
• Itching

What Should I Know Before Taking Prednisone 

• Steroids could affect the growth in children. Discuss with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
• Prednisone may harm a nurturing baby. Inform your doctor as well if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Prednisone might cause birth defects or low birth weight if you take the medicine during your first trimester. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or pregnant while using this prescription. Use effective birth control.
• Use of steroids for the long-term may lead to bone loss particularly if you do not exercise if you smoke, if you do not get sufficient calcium and vitamin D in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Discuss with your doctor about your threat of osteoporosis.
• You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Prednisone, or if you have a fungal infection that needs oral antifungal treatment.

Getting the Best Result from Prednisone 

• Steroid medication can make your immune system weak which makes it easy for you to get an infection. Prevent from being near to people who have infections or sick. While using prednisone, do not receive any live vaccinations without consulting your doctor.
• You must not suddenly stop using this medication. Follow your instructions of your doctor carefully about tapering your dose.
• If you have shortness of breath, bloody or tarry stools, severe pain in your upper stomach, severe depression, changes in personality or behavior, eye pain, or vision problems, call your doctor at once.
• You must avoid taking Prednisone if you have a fungal infection that needs oral antifungals. Always let your doctor know what medicines you’re taking before starting treatment with this drug.