PREDNISONE
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING PREDNISONE.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Aristocort, Celestone, Cortef, Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Medrol,
Orasone
USES:
PREDNISONE is a corticosteroid. It reduces swelling. It is used
for many conditions, among them:
allergic reactions, skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), breathing
problems; certain cancers, blood disorders, and eye problems;
arthritis, digestive problems, and for hormone replacement.
HOW TO TAKE PREDNISONE:
Take with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Take PREDNISONE as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you are
taking PREDNISONE only once a day, it should be taken in the morning
before 9 a.m. The suspension form must be shaken well before each
use. First use of suspension may require shaking for 5 to 7 minutes.
After the first use, no more than 30 seconds of shaking should be
required to mix all the ingredients well. If you have been taking
PREDNISONE for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without
your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or
dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight
gain, weakness or sleep disturbances. These effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience:
vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffing of the face,
swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore
throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood
changes, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include rash:
itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using PREDNISONE, tell your doctor your medical history,
particularly if you have:
liver or kidney disease, heart problems, intestinal problems,
ulcers, high blood pressure, an underactive thyroid gland,
myasthenia gravis, herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis
(TB), seizures, blood clots, osteoporosis (brittle bones), eye
problems, any allegies. Do not have a vaccination, other
immunization or any skin test while you are using PREDNISONE unless
your doctor specifically tells you that you may. If you have a
history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis
medication, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while
taking PREDNISONE. It may make your stomach and intestines more
susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and
certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers.
Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain
during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and
within 12 months after treatment with PREDNISONE. Your dose may need
to be adjusted or you may need to start taking the drug again. If
you have diabetes, PREDNISONE may increase your blood sugar level.
Test your urine for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact your
doctor if sugar is present; your dose of diabetes medication and
your diet may need to be changed. If your sputum (the matter you
cough up during an asthma attack) thickens or changes color from
clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these
changes may be signs of an infection. PREDNISONE should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. PREDNISONE is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. PREDNISONE can cause growth
suppression in infants.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before you take PREDNISONE, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter
or prescription medications you are taking especially:
aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood
thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), rifampin,
phenobarbital, estrogen (e.g., birth control pills), phenytoin,
ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenonium, drugs for
diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
joint or muscle pain, purple patches on the skin, headache,
increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, tiredness, stomach
pain, or muscle weakness.
NOTES:
Persons taking PREDNISONE for long-term therapy should wear or carry
identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Do not
allow anyone else to take PREDNISONE.
MISSED DOSE:
If you are taking a daily dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as
you remember; however, do not take it if it is almost time for the
next dose. If it almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to
catch up. For all other dosing regimens:
if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your
dosing schedule may need to be changed.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Certain
liquid forms may require refrigeration. Consult your pharmacist.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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