Have you ever been prescribed Prednisone by a doctor? When that happens, many questions come to mind, like what is this medicine, why is it taken, and whether there are any side effects? Don't worry, today we will talk about Prednisone in a friendly and simple way. After reading this, you will have a better understanding of this medicine.
What kind of drug is Prednisone?
Simply put, Prednisone is a steroid . It works in the same way as the hormone cortisol, which is naturally produced in our bodies. This hormone, cortisol, is very important for our bodies. When we are sick, stressed, or injured, it prepares our bodies to deal with it.
Prednisone medication mainly does two things:
1. Reduces swelling and inflammation in the body: Imagine, if you have arthritis, your joints are swollen and painful. This medicine reduces that swelling and pain.
2. Controls the unwanted activity of the immune system: In some diseases, the immune system, which is supposed to be our body's protector, starts working against our own body. Prednisone controls this unwanted activity.
For these reasons, doctors recommend this medicine for a variety of conditions. For example:
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions
- Joint diseases like arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Problems with the adrenal glands
- Some diseases related to blood and bone marrow
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before you start using Prednisone, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| Diabetes |
| High blood pressure |
| Heart disease |
| Kidney or Liver disease |
| Stomach or intestine problems |
| Cataract or glaucoma |
| Current infection – especially viral infections like chickenpox and herpes |
| Osteoporosis |
| Mental illness |
| Other diseases such as Cushing's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, thyroid disease |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
| If you have an allergic reaction to prednisone or other steroids, other medications, or foods |
How to use Prednisone correctly?
Consider these points when using this medicine.
- Take exactly as your doctor tells you: Take the dose exactly as prescribed, at the right time. If it's a liquid, measure it accurately with the special spoon or dropper that comes with it. Do not measure with household teaspoons.
- Take with food or milk: This helps prevent stomach upset.
- If it's once a day, take it in the morning: If it's usually prescribed to be taken once a day, it's best to take it in the morning.
- Avoid stopping suddenly: This is the most important thing. Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so can cause a severe reaction. If your doctor decides to stop taking the medicine, he will gradually reduce the dose. This will help to avoid side effects.
If you accidentally take too much medicine (Overdosage): If this happens, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, talk to your doctor for advice. Never take a double dose without advice.
Other drugs that may interact with Prednisone (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Prednisone, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Type of medicine | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Do not take Prednisone with this medicine. | |
| Metyrapone | These should be avoided with Prednisone. |
| Mifepristone | |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking this medication. | |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen) | Because these can react with Prednisone, your doctor may need to change the dosage or monitor you. |
| Medications for diabetes | |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals (e.g. Rifampin, Ketoconazole) | |
| Medications for fits (e.g. Phenytoin) | |
| Diuretics | |
| Types of hormones (e.g., birth control pills) | |
| Vaccines | |
| Other medications such as Digoxin and Cyclosporine | |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Prednisone can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are mild.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Cushing syndrome | Fat deposits around the stomach, neck, and face, thinning of the skin, blood spots, and the appearance of purple streaks. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusually increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, chest pain. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles | Swelling caused by fluid retention in the body. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they are bothersome | |
| Acne | If these persist or bother you, talk to your doctor. |
| Increased appetite and weight gain | |
| Headache | |
| Insomnia | |
| Nausea | |
| General fatigue, discomfort | |
Take-Home Message
- Prednisone is a powerful steroid. Always take the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious consequences.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
- Keep in mind that there is a risk of infection and increased blood sugar levels when taking this medicine.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as severe mental changes, swelling, or stomach bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
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