Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Prednisone? It could be for asthma, arthritis, a severe allergic reaction, or some other medical condition. It's normal to feel a little scared or nervous when you hear this name. Because many people call it a "steroid" medication. But don't worry. There's no need to be afraid of any medication when you're fully informed and use it according to your doctor's instructions. Today, let's talk simply and clearly about this medication, what it really does, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What exactly is Prednisone?
Simply put, Prednisone is a very powerful drug that controls inflammation in our body, which means swelling, redness, and pain. Also, sometimes our body's immune system becomes overactive and starts working against our own body. At such times, this drug also helps to calm down that overactive immune system .
Think about it, our body has a natural hormone called 'Cortisol' that helps us cope with stress, major illness, or grief. Prednisone is a synthetic drug that works in the same way as that hormone Cortisol. This is why it is used for a number of diseases such as asthma, arthritis, severe skin diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before starting Prednisone, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Illness or other factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Current medical conditions | Diabetes, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Liver or kidney disease, Glaucoma, Seizures, Mental illness, Stomach or intestinal ulcers/problems, Thyroid disease, Osteoporosis (bone thinning), Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disease), Cushing's syndrome. |
| Infections | If you currently have any infection (especially viral infections such as chickenpox or herpes). |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to prednisone, lactose, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Taking it with food can usually reduce stomach discomfort.
- This is a 'Delayed-Release' tablet. This means that the medicine is specially formulated to be absorbed slowly into the body. Therefore, never break, crush, or chew the tablet. The tablet should be swallowed whole.
- Another very important thing is that you should not stop taking this medicine suddenly without medical advice. Doing so can cause serious side effects. If your doctor wants you to stop taking the medicine, he or she will gradually reduce your dose.
Attention: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, do not share it with others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, ask your doctor for advice on whether to skip the missed dose or take another dose. Never take two doses at the same time without advice.
Other medications that may interact with Prednisone
Prednisone can interact with many other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and traditional or Ayurvedic medicines .
Especially do not take Prednisone with these medications:
- Metyrapone
- Mifepristone
Some other medications that may cause reactions:
- Painkillers (e.g. NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Some medications used for diabetes (e.g. glipizide, glyburide)
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Rifampin) and antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole)
- Medicines for epilepsy (e.g. Phenytoin)
- Types of hormones, including birth control pills
- Some types of vaccines
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: Go to clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition.
- Protect yourself from infections: Prednisone suppresses your immune system, making you more likely to catch illnesses. So stay away from people who have illnesses like chickenpox and measles. If you get an injury and it doesn't heal quickly, or if you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or a cold, tell your doctor .
- Surgery: If you are scheduled to have surgery, let the medical team know that you are taking Prednisone (or have taken it within the past 12 months).
- Diet: Talk to your doctor about your diet. He or she may recommend reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
- Blood sugar: This medication may increase blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, be especially careful about this and ask your doctor if you need to change your diet or diabetes medication, if necessary.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Prednisone can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cushing's syndrome | Fat deposits on the stomach, neck, and upper back, pink/purple streaks on the skin, and thin skin that bruises easily. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | More thirst or urination than usual, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Mental changes | Anxiety, restlessness, mental confusion, hallucinations, severe anger, suicidal thoughts. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Other | Signs of infection (fever, chills), swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Acne | Weight gain |
| Headache | Trouble sleeping |
| Increased appetite | Nausea, general discomfort and fatigue |
Where is the medicine kept safely?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle tightly closed. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Prednisone is a powerful medication that must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time and in the prescribed dosage.
- Never break, crush, or chew delayed-release tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Avoid stopping medication suddenly without medical advice. It can be very dangerous.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines) and any medical conditions you have.
- While taking the medicine, watch for signs of infection, high blood sugar or blood pressure, or mental changes. If you have any problems, tell your doctor right away.
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