Did Your Doctor Prescribe Prednisone? Here Is Everything You Need to Know Safely

Has your doctor recently prescribed a steroid medicine for you? If so, that medicine might be prednisone. Hearing the word steroid can make many people feel worried or nervous right away. You might ask yourself if this medicine is safe for your body or if it will make you gain weight.

The truth is that prednisone is a very important medicine that can even save lives when used correctly. That is why we are going to talk all about prednisone in simple terms today so you can understand how it works and how to take it safely.

What Is Prednisone?

Simply put, prednisone is a man-made steroid medicine. In medical terms, doctors call these medicines corticosteroids. This medicine helps your body in a few major ways when you are sick or injured.

First, it reduces inflammation and swelling in your body. Imagine you have asthma, which makes your breathing tubes swell up and makes it hard to breathe. Or think about arthritis, which makes your joints swell and hurt. Prednisone works by calming down these unwanted swellings and inflammations. Because of this, doctors use it for asthma, severe allergies, joint diseases, and bowel inflammation problems.

Second, it helps control your immune system. Sometimes your immune system, which is supposed to protect you, mistakenly attacks your own healthy body tissues. In these medical conditions, prednisone helps slow down and control that overactive immune response.

Third, it acts as a hormone replacement. Your body has small glands called adrenal glands that naturally make a hormone called cortisol. This hormone helps your body handle stress, illness, and injuries. If your body does not make enough cortisol on its own, doctors prescribe prednisone to replace it.

Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking This Medicine

Prednisone is a very strong and powerful medicine. Because of this, giving your doctor a complete history of your health is extremely important. If you have any of the following health conditions, you must tell your doctor right away before starting this medicine.

• You currently have diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
• You have high blood pressure or heart disease.
• You have an eye condition called glaucoma.
• You have kidney or liver disease of any kind.
• You have an active infection, especially a viral infection like chickenpox or shingles.
• You have stomach or gut problems, such as gastritis or stomach ulcers.
• You have a history of mental health conditions or depression.
• You have weak bones, known as osteoporosis.
• You have a muscle weakness condition called myasthenia gravis.
• You have low calcium levels or a thyroid gland problem.
• You have a hormone condition known as Cushing's syndrome.
• You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or currently breastfeeding your baby.
• You have allergies to this medicine, any other drugs, foods, or lactose.

How to Use This Medicine Correctly

Taking your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, in the right amount and at the right time, is very important.

• Swallow your pill whole with a full glass of water.
• Always take your dose with a meal or right after eating food. Never take it on an empty stomach. This helps protect your stomach lining and prevents burning feelings.
• If you only take the medicine once a day, try to take it in the morning hours.
• Never take a higher dose than your doctor told you, and never reduce the dose on your own.
• Most importantly, never stop taking prednisone suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can shock your body and cause severe withdrawal reactions. When it is time to stop, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over several days or weeks, which is called tapering off.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose completely. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten pill. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure what to do.

What to Do If You Take Too Much?

If you believe you have taken too many pills by mistake, do not panic. Call your local emergency services right away, or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER or A&E) for immediate medical help.

Other Medicines That May Interact With Prednisone

Prednisone can interact with many other drugs and change how they work. Therefore, you must tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Possible Side Effects of Prednisone

Like almost all medicines, prednisone can cause side effects. Many of these effects happen only while you are taking the medicine and go away later. However, you should watch out for specific signs and symptoms.

What Else to Watch For While Taking This Medicine?

• Diet: Your doctor may advise you to eat less salt. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods high in extra sugar and fat is also a smart idea.
• Infections: Because this medicine lowers your body's immune defense, try to stay away from people who have contagious illnesses like chickenpox or measles.
• Surgeries: If you need to have any surgery or dental procedures, tell your medical team that you are taking prednisone or have taken it within the last 12 months.