Advice about Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug prescribed to those suffering from arthritis, asthma, or a number of skin conditions. Corticosteroids work by blocking the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation, which is why the uses for Prednisone are so varied. Special care should be taken by those with allergies. If you experience any form of hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing while taking Prednisone, you should seek immediate medical attention.
While effective at fighting inflammation, Prednisone will weaken your immune system. For this reason, it is important to disclose any current medications and medical history to your physician, especially if you have suffered from infections in the past. Chronic illnesses as well as kidney disease, glaucoma, herpes, or lung complications may also impact your doctor’s willingness to prescribe Prednisone. If you have diabetes, be aware that Prednisone can cause spikes in blood glucose levels. This rise in blood sugar can also occur in non-diabetics.
Follow prescription instructions exactly as written, and do not stop taking Prednisone without your doctor’s knowledge. Without the proper medical advice, Prednisone can cause severe withdrawal effects in patients who quit taking it. Remember that Prednisone is a steroid and should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Prednisone can harm an unborn fetus.
The side effects of Prednisone include disruption of vision, weight gain, and depression, darkening of stool, low potassium, high blood pressure, and pancreatitis. Some of the less severe and more manageable side effects reported are bloating, perspiration, dry skin, and difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor if you experience any of this discomfort and he or she may suggest an alternate medication. You should not take aspirin while on Prednisone. Combinations of Prednisone and Coumadin can cause serious medical problems, so talk to your doctor before adding Prednisone to your current medications.