KINGSTON RHEUMORS
Prednisone (Steroids)
What do the tablets look like?
Prednisone generally comes in 1mg, 5 mg and 50mg strength tablets, and their
appearance depends on whether they have a special coating on them so read the
label carefully.
Why are you taking Prednisone?
Prednisone is very similar to a natural hormone in your body called cortisone. It
works by suppressing the immune system. Many diseases are caused by an
abnormality of the immune system so by suppressing it we can sometimes calm
down the condition eg rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, SLE.
How to take Prednisone
Usually you will take tablets but occasionally other steroids are given as an
injection in to a muscle or joint. The dose can vary greatly and this will be made
clear to you.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you forget to take your medication, either take the same dose later the same
day, or if it is the following day return to your normal dose ie do not double the
dose
.
Can you take other medicines and alcohol?
Generally prednisolone is safe to take with other medications, and steroids are
commonly given in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs and disease
modifying drugs such as methotrexate.
Contraception and pregnancy
Whilst prednisone has been shown to be safe in pregnancy it is best to avoid
getting pregnant before discussing your plans with your doctor.
Possible side effects - side effects depend greatly on the dose and length of
time you are on treatment, but you must ask your doctor to help weigh out the
potential benefits and risks.
Mood may be either raised ("euphoria") or depressed
Weight gain.
Swelling or weight gain on the face.
Thinning of the skin
Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)
Blurred vision
Reduced resistance to infection
Diabetes
Rise in blood pressure
Poor wound healing
Cataracts, glaucoma
Weak muscles
IMPORTANT
Never stop steroids abruptly. Always reduce the dose under supervision from a
doctor. If you have to seek medical care for any other reason it is important that
everyone knows you are on steroids.
If you have noticed any side effects, tell the doctor or nurse promptly.
Please note: the information here is additional information for you. Please also
read the information sheet that is provided with your medication.
Prednisone generally comes in 1mg, 5 mg and 50mg strength tablets, and their
appearance depends on whether they have a special coating on them so read the
label carefully.
Why are you taking Prednisone?
Prednisone is very similar to a natural hormone in your body called cortisone. It
works by suppressing the immune system. Many diseases are caused by an
abnormality of the immune system so by suppressing it we can sometimes calm
down the condition eg rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, SLE.
How to take Prednisone
Usually you will take tablets but occasionally other steroids are given as an
injection in to a muscle or joint. The dose can vary greatly and this will be made
clear to you.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you forget to take your medication, either take the same dose later the same
day, or if it is the following day return to your normal dose ie do not double the
dose
.
Can you take other medicines and alcohol?
Generally prednisolone is safe to take with other medications, and steroids are
commonly given in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs and disease
modifying drugs such as methotrexate.
Contraception and pregnancy
Whilst prednisone has been shown to be safe in pregnancy it is best to avoid
getting pregnant before discussing your plans with your doctor.
Possible side effects - side effects depend greatly on the dose and length of
time you are on treatment, but you must ask your doctor to help weigh out the
potential benefits and risks.
Mood may be either raised ("euphoria") or depressed
Weight gain.
Swelling or weight gain on the face.
Thinning of the skin
Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)
Blurred vision
Reduced resistance to infection
Diabetes
Rise in blood pressure
Poor wound healing
Cataracts, glaucoma
Weak muscles
IMPORTANT
Never stop steroids abruptly. Always reduce the dose under supervision from a
doctor. If you have to seek medical care for any other reason it is important that
everyone knows you are on steroids.
If you have noticed any side effects, tell the doctor or nurse promptly.
Please note: the information here is additional information for you. Please also
read the information sheet that is provided with your medication.