My doctor has me on it to get rid of inflamation from Mononucleosis. I wasn't there when it was prescribed, my Mom picked it up for me. My doctor doesn't really specify what the drugs he gives me are. What IS Prednisone? What are the side effects?
2007-03-06 11:14:16 · 11 answers · asked by ♀♥♂☮Trippy Hippie☮♂♥♀ 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
it's a Corticosteroid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prednisone
2007-03-06 11:16:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is correct to taper Prednisone. Your doctor prescribed this particular dosage, so you should be doing that. The amount the doctor prescribed was not a large dose and wasn't harmful overall. The harm comes if you are doing all this on your own and don't know what you're doing. It would be OK for you to take less, then you would have less recovery, and could go back and pay the doctor again. You're on a pretty low dose of Prednisone so I'm surprised you're having any side effects. Typically those under 7.5mg will not experience any side effects. I've been on 30mg at my highest dose and all I experienced was increase energy. There are hundreds of side effects of Prednisone, but the ones you describe aren't exactly common. Prednisone usually gives you more energy and insomnia.
Doctors usually tell you to not stop taking Prednisone suddenly, but you're on such a low dose and a short course that it'd be fine. If you want to stop, then that would be fine. You should speak to your doctor though.
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2014-03-28 19:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a steroid which is excellent for inflammatory conditions. Depending on how many you have to take, you may be given a card to carry which will warn people in case you have an accident. As they can suppress your immune system. I was on eight a day and had to carry the card for two years.
A common side effect is weight gain and this can tend to go underneath the chin area (known as moon face or on the back of the shoulders. However, eat very sensibly and avoid a lot of this by not eating too much...they do tend to give you a ravenous appetite. So fill up on veggies and fruit if you are really hungry.
That said they do work incredibly well where ibuprofen for example isn't strong enough.
Don't confuse them with the anabolic steroids that some athletes take...they are totally different.
Hope that helps.
2007-03-06 11:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steriod
How to use Prednisone Oral
Take this medication by mouth with food to prevent stomach upset. If you are prescribed only one dose per day, take it in the morning before 9 A.M.
If you are taking this medication every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist .
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
2007-03-06 11:18:05 · answer #4 · answered by Vicki B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is prednisone?
• Prednisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Prednisone reduces swelling and decreases the body's ability to fight infections.
• Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat many disorders such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
• Prednisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of prednisone?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking prednisone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
· sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take prednisone and talk to your doctor if you experience
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control; or
· increased hunger or thirst.
• Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of prednisone, include
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face, and
· changes in behavior.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Take prednisone exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than is prescribed for you. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take prednisone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
2007-03-06 11:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by peaches 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prednisone is a steriod....side effects are usually increased appeite, because you have mono you may not notice the increase in energy, it sort of gives the feeling of being hyper. I have used it for allergy reactions and lung infection its just basiclly to give you a boost to help your body heal and to help with any inflammation you may have. Side effects will really depend on how much you are taking and for how long. I don't think you need to worry about side effects, if its a short term dose.
2007-03-06 11:21:52 · answer #6 · answered by LaFonda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug which is usually taken orally but can be delivered by intramuscular injection and can be used for a large number of different conditions. It has a mainly glucocorticoid effect. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into prednisolone, which is the active drug and also a steroid.
2007-03-06 11:19:45 · answer #7 · answered by Carlene W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a steriod... helps with rashes and long term use side effects will include weight gain and water retention... development of "chipmonk cheeks"... note these are long term side effects... there are more ... consult webmd.com my daughter is on it for months at a time for lupus
2007-03-06 11:20:53 · answer #8 · answered by curious dad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a steroid. I think it's what I got for poison ivy once.
2007-03-06 11:17:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit www.webmd.com
2007-03-06 11:19:37 · answer #10 · answered by KELLY S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋