Prednisone Frequently Asked Questions

The most important information you need to know about prednisone.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone is a coticosteroid drug. It closely resembles a substance made by the adrenal glands. Steroids made by the human body work to reduce inflammation and to regulate the intake of salt. More steroids are produced by the body when it is stressed, such as with an illness.

How is prednisone taken?

Prednisone should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. A physical will tailor the dosage to the needs of each individual patient. In order for prednisone to have the desired effect on the body, it must be taken at certain regular intervals. DO NOT stop taking prednisone suddenly. Prednisone is a drug that must be tapered slowly.

It is best to take prednisone with a meal or a snack to avoid stomach upset.

Why is prednisone prescribed?

Prednisone may be prescribed for many conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose should be taken soon, just take that dose. Don't double up, or take more than one dose at a time.

Who should not take prednisone?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions:

• Tuberculosis (active or inactive)
• Herpes infection of eyes, lips, or genitals
• Severe depression
• High blood pressure
• Currently pregnant

What are the side effects?

Other side effects can include increased appetite, weight gain, hair growth, acne, mood changes and difficulty sleeping. See the prednisone side effects page for a complete list.

Serious side effects of prednisone include cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis, and bone damage in hips. These side effects are permanent and occur only after long-term use.

What medications can prednisone interact with?

Prednisone may interact with the following medications:

• Anticoagulants
• Barbiturates
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Chronic high dose aspirin
• Ephedrine (found in cold medications)
• Ketoconazole
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Troleandomycin

Is prednisone safe during pregnancy?

The FDA has classified prednisone as a type C drug. This means that it is not known what effect pregnancy will have on an unborn baby. Notify the prescribing doctor if you become pregnant while taking prednisone. Prednisone does pass into breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant.

How long can prednisone be taken safely?

In most cases, it is advisable to taper off prednisone as soon as symptoms subside.

Side Effects - Prednisone

Common Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• increased appetite
• indigestion
• nervousness or restlessness

Less frequent or rare:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• darkening or lightening of skin color
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• flushing of face or cheeks
• hiccups
• increased sweating
• sensation of spinning

Always Notify Doctor:

Less common

• Decreased or blurred vision
• frequent urination
• increased thirst

Rare

• confusion
• excitement
• false sense of well-being
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things
• that are not there)
• mental depression
• mistaken feelings of self-importance or being mistreated
• mood swings (sudden and wide)
• restlessness
• skin rash or hives

Additional effects:

Side Effects that may occur when this drug is used for a prolonged period of time. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal or stomach pain or burning (continuing)
• acne
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• changes in vision
• eye pain
• filling or rounding out of the face
• headache
• irregular heartbeat
• menstrual problems
• muscle cramps or pain
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• pain in arms, back, hips, legs, ribs, or shoulders
• reddish purple lines on arms, face, groin, legs, or trunk
• redness of eyes
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• stunting of growth (in children)
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• tearing of eyes
• thin, shiny skin
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual bruising
• unusual increase in hair growth
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight gain (rapid)
• wounds that will not heal

Other Notes

Corticosteroids may lower your resistance to infections. Any infection you get may be harder to treat. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any possible signs of an infection, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.

After stopping this medicine, a body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of prednisone taken, and how long it was used. After large doses of this medicine for a long time, it may take up to one year to adjust. During this time, check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal, stomach, or back pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• fever
• loss of appetite (continuing)
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea
• reappearance of disease symptoms
• shortness of breath
• unexplained headaches (frequent or continuing)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight loss (rapid)

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. This information is meant only as a guideline - always consult a physician or pharmacist for complete information about prescription medications.