Prednisone: Understanding Your Medication

Summary or Key Points

Prednisone, a powerful corticosteroid, is used in treating various inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Asthma, and Allergies. It reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system, but requires careful dosage and administration. Side effects can occur, so it’s crucial to understand them and consult with a healthcare provider, such as our telemedicine team, before making any changes.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Deltasone (Prednisone)

The ‘generic name’ (in this case, Prednisone) is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine, while the brand name (Deltasone) is chosen by the manufacturer. The generic name is listed in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Prednisone falls under the pharmacologic category of Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids). Other medications in this category include hydrocortisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone.

Dosing

Prednisone is used to treat a variety of conditions, but always consult your healthcare provider, such as our telemedicine experts, before adjusting your dose.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 5-10mg per day.
• Lupus: Dosage varies based on the patient’s weight and severity of the condition. Usually, 20-60mg per day.
• Asthma: 10-60mg per day, tapering the dose over a period of days to weeks.
• Allergies: 5-60mg per day in a single dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Prednisone is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 50mg
• Oral solution: 5mg/5mL, 5mg/mL
• Intensol solution (concentrated): 5mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Take prednisone with food to prevent stomach upset. Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew it. If using the liquid form, use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Do not suddenly stop taking prednisone without consulting your healthcare provider.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Side effects may occur with prednisone use. Always consult your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Common (occurring in more than 1% of patients): Increased appetite, indigestion, nervousness, restlessness
• Less Common: Blurred vision, mood changes, weight gain
• Rare: High blood pressure, osteoporosis, eye pain

Contact our telemedicine team if you need immediate attention or have questions about your prednisone medication.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person. For Prednisone, contraindications include:

• Systemic fungal infections: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, which may worsen these infections.
• Allergic reactions to Prednisone: If you’ve previously had an allergic reaction to Prednisone or any of its components, avoid taking this medication.
• Live vaccines: Prednisone can weaken your immune response making vaccines less effective.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some medications that may interact with Prednisone include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Prednisone in Pregnancy

Prednisone may be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication during pregnancy. Our telemedicine team can provide immediate assistance for such concerns.

Prednisone while Breastfeeding

Small amounts of Prednisone can pass into breast milk, but it is generally considered safe during breastfeeding. Again, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider before making any decisions. Our telemedicine team is ready to help.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Prednisone without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is around $10-$15, depending on the pharmacy you choose.

Possible Alternatives

For each disease, there may be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that can help. Always discuss these with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and a healthy diet may help.
• Lupus: Antimalarial drugs, lifestyle modifications such as sun protection and diet, can be beneficial.
• Asthma: Long-term inhalers, bronchodilators, and certain lifestyle changes can help manage asthma.
• Allergies: Antihistamines, avoiding known allergens, and immunotherapy may provide relief.

Our telemedicine team is available to discuss these alternatives with you.

Recent Updates on Prednisone Research

Recent studies have been investigating the long-term effects of Prednisone and similar corticosteroids on bone health. Some research suggests that taking Prednisone for extended periods may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other research is exploring how Prednisone affects the body’s immune response, with implications for long-term use. For more information and individual advice, reach out to our telemedicine providers who stay updated on the latest research.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.