Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It is a powerful drug that can be very effective, but it is also important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions.
Uses of prednisone
Prednisone is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Cancer
- After organ transplants
Side effects of prednisone
Prednisone can cause a variety of side effects, both common and serious. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Decreased bone density
- Increased risk of infection
Serious side effects of prednisone can be less common, but they can be serious, and it is important to be aware of them. Some of the serious side effects of prednisone include:
- Stomach bleeding
- Psychosis
- Cataracts
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis
- Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply)
Interactions of prednisone
Prednisone can interact with a variety of other medications, including:
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal medications
- Antiviral medications
- Blood thinners
- Insulin and other diabetes medications
- Diuretics
- Birth control pills
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting prednisone, so that they can check for potential interactions.
How to take prednisone
Prednisone is taken orally in the form of a tablet. The dosage of prednisone will vary depending on the condition you are being treated for and the severity of your condition. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking prednisone.
Overall, prednisone is a powerful medication that can be very effective for treating a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions before taking prednisone.
If you have any questions or concerns about prednisone, be sure to talk to your doctor.