Prednisone

Before taking prednisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Prednisone may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Prednisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,current/past infections (such as fungal infections, tuberculosis, herpes), heart problems (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, diverticulitis), bone loss (osteoporosis), mental/mood disorders (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression), eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma), diabetes, mineral imbalance (such as low level of potassium/calcium in the blood), seizures, blood clots, bleeding problems. Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Prednisone or have used Prednisone within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using Prednisone for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of Prednisone. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Prednisone may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. The liquid form of Prednisone may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Prednisone safely. Prednisone may cause vaccines not to work as well. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prednisone, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion). Prednisone may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked. During pregnancy, Prednisone should be used only when clearly needed. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using Prednisone for an extended period of time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. Prednisone passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.