Prednisone

Prednisone, brand name: Deltasone, is a steroid or corticosteroid medicine. It can be taken as a tablet or liquid, or in a hospital, injected. It is processed in the liver to prednisolone.

Use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is allowed in Australia, the US, and the UK. It has been known to slightly increase the risk of birth defects if use is started during early pregnancy (13 weeks). It is still used if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is still important for the doctor to know about a pregnancy when talking about this medicine, to fully understand all of the risks and complications.

Uses for the medicine include treating sarcoidosis, autoimmune disease, allergies, inflammation, and infections. It can be used to treat skin or blood diseases, and many other conditions. It is also used in organ transplants to prevent the body rejecting the organ. It is also used in the treatment of cancer.

Some people get an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the drug. If this happens, call an ambulance.

Diseases treated by prednisone

• Sarcoidosis
• Allergies
• Autoimmune disease
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Rheumatoid arthritis

As well as others not listed. Taking prednisone increases the risk of getting chickenpox, shingles, or measles because of it interferes with (suppresses) the immune system.

Side effects

More than 1 in 100 people have adverse side effects from the drug. It may cause weight gain, sweating more than usual, problems sleeping (insomnia), or feeling restless. It could cause mood swings or indigestion. Because of this, it is important to tell a doctor if there are other health problems other than what prednisone is being taken to treat. Tell a doctor if experiencing side effects from the drug. People can also have mental changes. If behaviour changes while taking the medication, tell a doctor.

See a doctor if experiencing any serious side effects. Seek medical attention immediately if vomiting blood or there is black or dark brown vomit.

Serious adverse effects

• a high temperature, chills, a very sore throat, ear or sinus pain, a cough, more saliva or a change in colour of saliva (yellowish and possibly with streaks of blood), pain when urinating, mouth sores or a wound that will not heal – these can be signs of an infection
• sleepy or confused, feeling very thirsty or hungry, peeing more often, flushing, breathing quickly or breath that smells like fruit – these can be signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• weight gain in the upper back or belly, "moon face" (a puffy, rounded face), very bad headaches and slow wound healing – these can be signs of Cushing's syndrome
• a very upset stomach or being sick (vomiting), very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, loss of appetite and weight loss – these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
• muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or changes in heart rate – these can be signs of low potassium levels
• severe stomach pain, severe back pain, severe upset stomach or being sick – these can be signs of pancreas problems
• breathlessness
• swelling in the arms or legs
• changes in eyesight
• any bruising or bleeding that is not normal
• red or black poo

Long-term side effects

Taking prednisolone for a long time can lead to side effects such as:

• thinner bones (osteoporosis)
• poorly controlled diabetes
• eyesight problems
• high blood pressure (hypertension)