Prednisone Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Prednisone
- rapid weight gain
- swollen hands, ankles or feet
- infection with symptoms including fever or a sore throat
-
blurry vision
- coughing up blood or vomit the appearance of coffee grounds, dark stools or bloody stools which may be signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
- seizures
- strong abdominal or stomach pain
- depression
- abnormal heart beat
- feeling angry
- slow recovery time when hurt
- thinning of the skin
- aching in the bone
- changes in menstruation
- allergic reaction: dizziness, swollen or puffy face, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing and hives or itchy skin
Common Side Effects of Prednisone
- lack of appetite
- sweating more frequently
- difficulty sleeping
- indigestion
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- acne
Can Prednisone Cause a Withdrawal?
Patients who have taken
prednisone for a long time or in large amounts may become
dependent on prednisone and experience withdrawal if they stop taking this medication suddenly. If use is ended
abruptly, you may suffer from
withdrawal symptoms such as:
- feeling angry or irritated
- sweating or fever
- aching of the joints or muscles
- low blood pressure
- vomiting or nausea
- headache
- drowsiness
If you experience
withdrawal due to prednisone, call your healthcare provider.
Warnings & Recalls for Prednisone
In
2001, the Pharmacia Corporation announced the
recall of one lot of Deltasone (prednisone). According to the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, bottles of Deltasone tablets 10mg had been
switched with 5mg tablets instead. If you are taking Deltasone
make sure you are taking the proper dosage.
General Warnings
Prednisone may
increase your blood sugar level; if you have
diabetes monitor your reaction to prednesone regularly.
Signs of worsened diabetes include feeling thirsty or urinating more frequently.
If used regularly, prednisone may
decrease growth in
children. If your child is taking prednisone, make sure they are examined frequently by a doctor.
Prednisone can
weaken the ability of the immune system to function.
Stay away from others who may be sick or infected.
Tell your doctor if you have been sick or have become infected recently. Prednisone may
reduce signs of infections that you may develop; it is important to have a regular check-up by your doctor.
Patients taking prednisone should not receive a
"live" vaccine during treatment. The vaccine may be ineffective.
If you are taking prednisone, wear an
ID card or
medical altert tag with details about your use of this medicine. Tell all health care providers of your treatment.
Before taking prednisone,
let your doctor know if you:
- are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver or kidney disease
- have a thyroid disorder
- are a diabetic
- have ever had malaria
- have tuberculosis
- have osteoporosis
- have any heart disorders or disease
- have high blood pressure
- have a herpes infection in your eyes
- have a history of ulcers
- have depression or any mental disorders
- are allergic to prednesone
Prednisone and Ulcers
Prednisone may
increase the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers. If you are taking prednisone,
avoid drinking large amounts of
alcohol (3 alcoholic beverages daily) and ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use
blood-thinners.
Prednisone and Pregnancy
Prednisone is an FDA
pregnancy Category C drug. This medication may effect the fetus in a pregnant woman. It is not known if it
could harm the unborn baby. Prednisone
can be passed to a nursing baby while breastfeeding but is not expected to effect the baby.
Consult your doctor before using prednesone if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Prednisone Treatment and Use
Prednisone | Deltasone is a generic corticosteroid class drug used to aid the body in fighting disease and allergy-like symptoms. Prednisone may be used to treat serious medical conditions such as:
- arthritis
- skin diseases
- cancer
- blood disorders
- serious allergic reactions
- breathing disorders
- eye problems
- immune system disorders
- gastrointestinal disorders
- poison ivy
Prednisone may not work as well in patients with liver disease or disorders.
How Does Prednisone Work?
After being converted by the liver into an enzyme, prednisone works by balancing hormone and corticosteroid levels in the blood stream that are responsible for causing inflammation. Through anti-inflammatory action, prednisone reduces the severity of symptoms of diseases and disorders affecting the immune system.
How Should Prednisone Be Used?
Prednisone comes in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. Doses and schedule for taking prednisone depend on patients medical condition, age and weight. Take prednisone only as prescribed by your doctor. Extended use of prednisone may lead to dependency. Do not stop use suddenly, you may be at risk for a withdrawl. See “Side Effects” tab for symptoms of a withdrawal.
