Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions, from allergic disorders to dermatological problems, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and some respiratory diseases.
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone causes immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory action, which inhibits the release of substances that lead to inflammation.
How should Prednisone be taken?
Typically, Prednisone is administered orally, in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Prednisone
Prednisone can weaken the immune system, which leads to higher risk of infections. Due to long-term intake, this medicine increases the risk of osteoporosis and may affect children’s growth.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Insomnia, mood swings
- Increased appetite, gradual weight gain
- Acne, increased sweating, thinned and dry skin, bleeding or skin discoloration
- Slow wound healing
- Headache, dizziness, feeling of turning
- Nausea, stomach pain, swelling
- Changes in body fat distribution
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Prednisone triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Vision or eye problems
- Swelling, rapid weight gain, breath shortness
- Severe depression, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, personality or behavior changes, convulsions
- Blood in the stool or coughing up blood
- Pancreatitis
- Low potassium levels
- Very high pressure
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Prednisone
Prednisone should not be taken in case of fungal infections.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its substances, other medicines or any food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular amphotericin B, cyclosporine, digoxin, digital, St. John's Wort, antibiotics, antifungals, birth control pills or other hormones, anticoagulants, diuretics, drugs against hepatitis C or HIV, insulin or oral agents, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, isoniazid, rifabutin, rifapentine and rifampicin
- You suffer (or have suffered) from disorders that cause diarrhea, liver, kidney or heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood potassium, thyroid disorders, diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, ocular herpes, ulcers stomach, ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, muscle disorders, depression or psychiatric illness
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Prednisone prior to any procedure.
