Prednisone

• Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, immune system disorders and gout.
• Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms, such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

• Take this medication by mouth with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, or as directed by your medical provider. Take the tablet form of this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your medical provider directs you otherwise.
• If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon, as you may not get the correct dose. If you are prescribed only one dose per day, take it in the morning before 9 a.m.
• Take this medication exactly as directed by your medical provider. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are taking this medication on a different schedule than a daily one (such as every other day), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your medical provider. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. You may also experience symptoms, such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness or dizziness. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your medical provider may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your medical provider or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
• Tell your medical provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, trouble sleeping, increased sweating or acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.

• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience any serious side effects, including:

  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Swelling hands, ankles or feet
  • Unusual weight gain
  • Signs of infection, such as sore throat that doesn't go away or fever
  • Vision problems, such as blurred vision
  • Symptoms of stomach or intestinal bleeding, such as stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Mental or mood changes, such as depression, mood swings or agitation
  • Slow wound healing
  • Thinning skin
  • Bone pain
  • Menstrual period changes
  • Puffy face
  • Seizures
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
• In rare cases, this medication may make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your medical provider. They may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program or diet.

• A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Prednisone, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • Current or past infections, like fungal infections, tuberculosis or herpes
  • Heart problems, such as heart failure or recent heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Thyroid problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Stomach or intestinal problems, such as ulcer and diverticulitis
  • Bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • Mental or mood disorders, such as psychosis, anxiety or depression
  • Eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Mineral imbalance, such as low levels of potassium or calcium in the blood
  • Seizures
  • Blood clots
  • Bleeding problems
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Systemic sclerosis, scleroderma
• Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you suffer a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell them right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
• This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles or flu. Talk to your medical provider if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
• The liquid form of this medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Use caution if you have diabetes, liver disease or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist about using this product safely.
• Tell your health care professional that you are using Prednisone before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines, including the flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
• This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your medical provider or pharmacist for more information.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding and mental/mood changes, such as confusion.
• This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult your medical provider or pharmacist for more details. See the medical provider regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when there is a clear need. In rare cases, it may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems. Tell your medical provider right away if you notice symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop, severe diarrhea or weakness in your newborn.
• This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your medical provider before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
• This drug may interact with certain vaccines, such as COVID-19.
• Some products that may interact with this drug include Aldesleukin, Mifepristone and drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising, including antiplatelet drugs, such as Clopidogrel; "blood thinners," such as Dabigatran/Warfarin; NSAIDs, such as Aspirin, Celecoxib and Ibuprofen;  and antacids.
• If your medical provider has directed you to take low-dose Aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless they instruct you otherwise. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist for more details.
• This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including skin tests) and cause false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing serious symptoms – such as passing out or trouble breathing – call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• If this medication is used for an extended time, lab and/or medical tests – such as blood mineral levels, blood glucose, complete blood count, height/weight measurements, bone density tests, blood pressure and eye exams – should be performed while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
• This medication may cause bone problems (osteoporosis) when taken for an extended time. Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of bone problems include weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol. Discuss lifestyle changes that might benefit you with your medical provider.

• If you are taking this medication daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• If you are taking this medication on a different schedule than a daily one (such as every other day), ask your medical provider ahead of time about what you should do if you miss a dose.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.