Prednisone is used to relieve inflammation and treat a wide variety of diseases such as certain allergic reactions, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles), lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body), inflammatory bowel diseases (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract), and sudden flares of multiple sclerosis (disease affecting the brain and/or spinal cord).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Prednisone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, delayed-release tablet, or as an oral solution.
If you are taking the delayed-release type of tablet (usually labeled as "DR"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup, or calibrated dropper provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Prednisone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have an active infection affecting the entire body (e.g. fungal infection) as Prednisone may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- eye problems e.g. eye infection, injury of the cornea, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, recent heart attack
- high blood pressure
- bowel problems e.g. stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- mood disorder or mental health problems
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin)
- steroid myopathy (muscle weakness of the upper and lower limbs caused by excessive amount of certain anti-inflammatory medicines known as steroids)
- active or history of TB (an infection known as tuberculosis)
- other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi
- thyroid disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Prednisone to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox, shingles, or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have a certain laboratory test (e.g. skin tests), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, kidney function, bone density, eye examination, chest x-ray) may be done while you are being treated with Prednisone. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Monitoring of the growth (e.g. height) and development of children taking this medicine may also be needed.
Prednisone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness with sensations of spinning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach discomfort, weight gain, tiredness, impaired wound healing, pimple breakout, itchiness, and excessive hair growth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome e.g. swollen, round face, purple stretch marks, buffalo hump-shaped upper back, thinning of skin
- fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion
- fits or seizure
- eye pain or pressure, blurring of vision, or other visual disturbances
- light-headedness, decreased urine output
- signs of infection e.g. persistent fever, chills, colds or cough
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, amphotericin B
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- medicines used to treat TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- estrogen (birth control pill)
- methotrexate (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- antacids (medicine that neutralises stomach acids)
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Prednisone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
