Prednisone Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, allergic disorders, breathing problems, and autoimmune diseases. It reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Common side effects include mood changes, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping. Always consult your healthcare provider, or consider reaching out to one of our telemedicine providers for quick and easy access to medical consultation.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Deltasone (Prednisone)

The term ‘generic name’ is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medication. In this case, the generic name is Prednisone (listed in parentheses).

Pharmacologic Category

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Other medications in this category include hydrocortisone (Cortef), dexamethasone (Decadron), and methylprednisolone (Medrol).

Dosing

Prednisone is indicated to treat a wide variety of conditions. Please consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before adjusting your dosage. Prednisone dosing varies widely based on the condition being treated, and can range from 5mg to 60mg per day. Common indications include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 5-10mg daily
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica: 10-20mg daily
• Psoriatic Arthritis: 5-10mg daily
• Gout: 40-60mg daily for 3-5 days
• Lupus: 1-2mg/kg daily

This is just a partial list. Remember, always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Prednisone is available in tablet and solution form. Tablets come in strengths of 1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 50mg. The solution is available in a concentration of 5mg/5ml.

Administration Instructions

Take Prednisone with food to prevent stomach upset. Follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider closely, as abruptly stopping Prednisone can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers if you have any questions or concerns.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Side effects of Prednisone can include:

• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased appetite

These are just a few potential side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider for a more complete list.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Prednisone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, those with systemic fungal infections, and those receiving live or live attenuated vaccines while undergoing immunosuppressive doses of prednisone.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some medications can interact with Prednisone. These include:

• Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)

Consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers for a complete list of drug interactions.

Prednisone in Pregnancy

Prednisone is a category C medication, which means it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking Prednisone during pregnancy.

Prednisone while Breastfeeding

Prednisone passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. However, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended without first consulting your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The cost of Prednisone can vary depending on the pharmacy and the dosage. However, the estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Prednisone 20mg is around $15 with a GoodRx coupon. Prices may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with the pharmacy or use a resource like GoodRx to find the most up-to-date pricing.

Possible Alternatives

Alternatives to Prednisone depend on the specific condition being treated. For instance, for Rheumatoid Arthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be options. For allergic reactions, antihistamines or leukotriene inhibitors could be considered. For asthma, inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators may be alternatives. Always discuss potential alternatives with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before making changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Prednisone Research

Research on Prednisone is ongoing. For instance, recent studies have explored the use of lower doses for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce side effects. Stay updated on Prednisone research by consulting reliable health information resources or discussing with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine providers.

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.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and changes may occur that may not be reflected here. Please discuss any concerns or questions you have about your health or medications with your healthcare provider.
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.