Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and controls the immune system if it becomes overactive. Prednisone treats allergic disorders, skin disorders, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many others.

Prednisone use

Prednisone treats many conditions, such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or respiratory diseases. You should avoid Prednisone if you have a fungal infection requiring oral antifungal medications. Topical antifungal medications may not be a problem, but always tell your doctor what medications you are taking before starting this medication.

Side effects of Prednisone

As with all medications, Prednisone can result in side effects. The most frequently observed include:

• Issues with sleep, such as insomnia and mood fluctuations.
• Increased hunger leading to gradual weight gain.
• Skin-related changes, like acne, increased perspiration, dryness, thinning, bruising, or discoloration.
• Delayed wound healing.
• Experiencing headaches, dizziness, or a sensation of spinning.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, stomachache, or bloating.
• Alterations in the distribution or shape of body fat, particularly in areas such as your arms, legs, face, neck, chest, and waist.

Prednisone interactions with other medications

Prednisone may interact with several other medicines, changing how they work or increasing the risk of severe side effects. Some drugs that may interact with Prednisone include certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal drugs, HIV/AIDS medications, and many others. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins and supplements.

Cautions when taking Prednisone

Prednisone can cause high blood sugar levels, which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly, as recommended, and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes therapy, exercise program, or diet.

How to take Prednisone

Prednisone is usually taken by mouth, with food or milk, to prevent stomach upset. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and not to stop taking Prednisone without consulting your doctor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms.

What do I need to know or do while taking this medicine?

• Tell all healthcare professionals who serve you that you are taking this medication. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Follow the instructions for keeping track of blood tests, body weight, and other lab tests if you take this medicine for a long time. You may also need to have your intraocular pressure and bone density checked.
• This medicine may affect the results of allergy skin tests. Your doctor or lab technician should be told you are taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have missed a dose or recently stopped taking this medication and have severe fatigue, weakness, tremors, tachycardia, confusion, increased sweating, or dizziness.
• You may be at increased risk of developing an infection. Wash your hands often. Avoid contact with people with conditions, including colds or the flu. Some diseases can be severe and sometimes fatal.

Conclusion

Prednisone is a powerful medicine that can effectively treat several conditions. However, like all medications, it should be taken cautiously and only as your doctor prescribes. If you have any questions or concerns about taking Prednisone, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.