
Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
Prednisone
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone, a corticosteroid belonging to a group of such medications, can treat a variety of conditions. However, it is normally used for:
- allergic reactions
- skin conditions
- severe asthma
- arthritis
Prednisone is also used for:
- steroid deficiency
- some blood disorders
- certain cancers
- ulcerative colitis
How does it work?
Prednisone suppresses the body’s immune response and reduces swelling, inflammation, and irritation. When the body does not produce enough, it can also replace steroids.
It normally takes only one to two hours for prednisone to begin working, so it is quite quick. However, it can be up around six hours before the extended-release tablets start working.
While the therapeutic effects will end soon after prednisone has been discontinued, side effects may take a little longer to dissipate if you have been taking it for a long time.
While most patients may only take prednisone for a few days, some may need to take it for a longer period, or even for the rest of their lives.
If stopping treatment with prednisone after taking it for a long time, you may need to gradually taper off.
Dosage
The dose you are given by your doctor may vary according to the condition for which you have been prescribed prednisone, as well as your circumstances. Many things might affect the dose you are prescribed. Your weight, other medical factors, and other medications you are on can have an impact. Do not take anything other than the dose you have been given by your doctor without first discussing it with them.
Prednisone should be taken with food to avoid having an upset stomach. If you have been taking it for an extended period and want to stop using it, you should discuss it with your doctor. Do not suddenly stop using prednisone, it should be gradually reduced over time in keeping with your doctor’s advice.
You should take prednisone regularly, as your doctor has prescribed it to you. If you miss a dose you should seek guidance from your doctor. However, do not attempt to give yourself two doses to make up for the one you missed.
Overdose
Using prednisone over a long time, or receiving high doses of it can result in
- thinning skin
- easy bruising
- increased acne
- increased facial hair
- menstrual issues
- impotence
- loss of sexual appetite
- physical changes, especially around the face, neck, back, and waist
If you or someone else has taken an overdose of prednisone, you should contact a doctor. If someone has collapsed or is no longer breathing after using prednisone, emergency services should be called.
Side Effects
If you are concerned about experiencing side effects from taking prednisone, you should talk it over with your doctor and weigh up the risks against the benefits. Many of these side effects may disappear over time or can be managed. Your pharmacist should be able to make recommendations for managing these side effects, however, you should contact your doctor if they become severe or significantly uncomfortable.
The side effects of prednisone are not experienced by everyone who takes it, but at least 1% of people taking this medication have experienced those listed below.
- abdominal pain
- acne
- bloating
- changed sense of taste
- decreased fertility in men
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- a general feeling of being unwell
- headache
- heartburn
- hiccups
- increased appetite
- increased sweating
- irregular menstrual periods
- nausea
- reddish-purple lines on arms, face, groin, legs, or trunk
- thin, shiny skin
- thinning hair
- trouble sleeping
- unusual increase in hair growth
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight gain
More serious side effects
These serious side effects are rare but can cause serious issues if they are not addressed. If you experience any of these, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
- confusion
- decreased or blurred vision
- eye pain
- false sense of well-being
- filling or rounding out of the face
- forgetfulness
- hallucinations
- increased blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- mood or behavior changes, such as:
- aggression
- rage
- anxiety
- excitation
- muscle cramps or spasms
- muscle weakness
- pain in arms, back, hips, legs, ribs, or shoulders
- signs of heart problems, such as:
- fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse
- chest pain
- sudden weight gain
- difficulty breathing
- leg swelling
- signs of infection, such as:
- fever or chills
- severe diarrhea
- shortness of breath
- prolonged dizziness
- headache
- stiff neck
- weight loss
- listlessness
- skin rash
- slowed growth in children
- fluid retention symptoms, such as:
- rapid weight gain
- swelling of feet or lower legs
- symptoms of depression, such as:
- poor concentration
- changes in weight
- changes in sleep
- decreased interest in activities
- thoughts of suicide
- symptoms of high blood sugar, such as:
- frequent urination
- increased thirst
- excessive eating
- unexplained weight loss
- poor wound healing
- infections
- fruity breath odor
- symptoms of a stomach ulcer, such as:
- persistent abdominal or stomach pain
- burning, bloody, black, or tarry stools
- symptoms of tuberculosis reactivation, such as:
- coughing blood
- chest pain
- unusual bruising
- wounds that heal slowly
Side effects requiring urgent medical attention
If you experience any of the following side effects, discontinue the treatment and immediately seek the attention of a medical professional.
- seizures
- signs of scleroderma renal crisis, such as:
- increased blood pressure
- decreased urine production
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
- difficulty breathing
- hives
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
Side effects other than those listed above are possible. If any symptoms develop that worry you whilst taking prednisone, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Warnings & Precautions
Always check the ingredients of any medication you take for anything you may be allergic to. You should not take prednisone if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you have as this may impact whether or not they recommend prednisone for you.
You should not take prednisone if you:
- are allergic to prednisone or any of its ingredients
- have an internal fungal infection
- have herpes simplex of the eye, are taking large immunosuppressive doses of prednisone, and will be given a live virus vaccine, such as:
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- yellow fever
- BCG
- have measles or chickenpox, except for short-term or emergency treatment of allergic-type reactions
- have stomach ulcers
- have diverticulitis
- have non-specific colitis
- have a viral or bacterial infection that is not controlled by anti-infectives
Blood pressure
If you have or are at risk of developing high blood pressure your doctor should advise you as to how prednisone may affect your condition, and whether special monitoring is necessary.
Electrolytes and fluid
When taking large doses, salt intake may need to be limited and potassium supplements may be required. Your doctor will advise and monitor you with blood pressure checks and blood tests.
Eye problems
Use of prednisone over an extended time may lead to glaucoma, cataracts, or optic nerve damage. Tell your doctor of any eye pain, eye irritation, redness, discharge, or vision change.
Drug Interactions
Prednisone may interact with any of the following drugs, so if you are taking any of them you should let your doctor know or seek guidance from your pharmacist.
- acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
- aldesleukin
- amphotericin B
- androgens, such as testosterone
- antacids, such as:
- aluminum hydroxide
- calcium carbonate
- magnesium hydroxide
- anticholinesterase medications, such as:
- neostigmine
- pyridostigmine
- aprepitant
- aripiprazole
- “azole” antifungals, such as:
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
- voriconazole
- BCG
- calcitriol
- carbamazepine
- celecoxib
- cholestyramine
- clarithromycin
- cobicistat
- colestipol
- conivaptan
- cyclosporine
- deferasirox
- delavirdine
- denosumab
- diabetes medications, such as:
- chlorpropamide
- glyburide
- insulin
- metformin
- rosiglitazone
- saxagliptin
- diltiazem
- diuretics (water pills), such as:
- furosemide
- hydrochlorothiazide
- donepezil
- echinacea
- enzalutamide
- estrogens, such as:
- conjugated estrogen
- estradiol
- ethinyl estradiol
- estrogen-containing birth control pills
- fingolimod
- galantamine
- HIV protease inhibitors, such as:
- atazanavir
- darunavir
- lopinavir
- ritonavir
- hyaluronidase
- indacaterol
- isoniazid
- leflunomide
- mifepristone
- mitotane
- natalizumab
- nivolumab
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as:
- diclofenac
- ibuprofen
- ketorolac
- naproxen
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- pimecrolimus
- primidone
- quinolone antibiotics, such as:
- ciprofloxacin
- norfloxacin
- ofloxacin
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- roflumilast
- salicylates, such as: ASA
- somatropin
- tacrolimus
- tofacitinib
- trastuzumab
- vaccines or toxoids, such as:
- BCG
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- varicella
- warfarin