Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. It works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works.
Prednisone is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its own organs); and certain conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer.
How does prednisone work?
Steroid drugs, such as prednisone, work by lowering the activity of the immune system. The immune system is your body’s defense system. Steroids work by slowing your body’s response to disease or injury. When prescribed in doses that exceed your body’s usual levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation. This can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma or skin rashes.
Corticosteroids also suppress your immune system, which can help control conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
How should prednisone be used?
Prednisone comes as a tablet, delayed-release tablet, as a solution (liquid), and as a concentrated solution to take by mouth. Prednisone is usually taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day. Your doctor will probably tell you to take your dose(s) of prednisone at certain time(s) of day every day. Your personal dosing schedule will depend on your condition and on how you respond to treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prednisone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking the concentrated solution, use the specially marked dropper that comes with the medication to measure your dose. You may mix the concentrated solution with juice, other flavored liquids, or soft foods such as applesauce.
Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.
Your doctor may change your dose of prednisone often during your treatment to be sure that you are always taking the lowest dose that works for you. Your doctor may also need to change your dose if you experience unusual stress on your body such as surgery, illness, infection, or a severe asthma attack. Tell your doctor if your symptoms improve or get worse and if you get sick or have any changes in your health during your treatment.
If you are taking prednisone to treat a long-lasting disease, the medication may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take prednisone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking prednisone without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking prednisone, your body may not have enough natural steroids to function normally. This may cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, slowed movements, upset stomach, weight loss, changes in skin color, sores in the mouth, and craving for salt. Call your doctor if you experience these or other unusual symptoms while you are taking decreasing doses of prednisone or after you stop taking the medication.
Can prednisone cause lower GI bleed?
Studies have shown that the use of Corticosteroid like prednisone is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation. And the increase risk was statistically significant for hospitalized patients only. Patients taking prednisone (in doses over 10 mg), have been found to have a seven-fold increased risk of having GI bleeding.
What other side effects can prednisone cause?
Prednisone has possible side effects. These may include:
- Headaches
- Changes in mood
- Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
- Acne
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain
- Swelling (face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet)
Can prednisone worsen other health conditions?
People taking prednisone can also experience higher blood sugar, which is a special concern for those with diabetes. Because prednisone suppresses the body’s immune system, it can also increase the risk of infection. Therefore, some precautions need to be taken.
Before taking prednisone, talk to your healthcare provider about the following:
- If you have a history of allergies to prednisone or other steroid drugs
- Other medications you are currently taking
- If you have diabetes
- Whether you have high blood pressure
- If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
What can I do to stay healthy while taking prednisone?
Your healthcare provider will weigh the possible benefits and side effects when giving this and other medications. Many people have benefitted from prednisone without serious side effects. Talking to your healthcare provider, using your medication as instructed, and taking the necessary precautions, can help you benefit from prednisone while managing side effects. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself healthy:
- Take your medication as prescribed.
- Avoid double dosing. Find out from your healthcare provider what to do if you miss a dose.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your healthcare provider’s consent. Usually your dose of prednisone is tapered (or slowly reduced), to help avoid the effects of withdrawal. A sudden stoppage of using prednisone can lead to withdrawal symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Dramatic changes in mood
- Reduce the amount salt and sugar in your diet.
- Monitor your weight.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any sudden or unusual symptoms, including dizziness, vision problems, shortness of breath, and/or irregular heartbeat.
