Why is Deltasone prescribed?

Deltasone (Prednisone) is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its own organs); and certain conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. It works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works. Prednisone the generic alternative is also available for purchase. 

What is the most effective way to take Deltasone?

Take prednisone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

• Take prednisone with food.
• Your dosage needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
• Measure liquid prednisone with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
• Do not crush, chew, or break a delayed-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
• While using prednisone, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor's office. Your blood pressure may also need to be checked.
• This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using prednisone.
• You should not stop using prednisone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
• Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take prednisone. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using a steroid.

Before taking prednisone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to prednisone, any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in prednisone tablets or solutions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. 
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have an eye infection now or have ever had eye infections that come and go and if you have or have ever had threadworms (a type of worm that can live inside the body); diabetes; high blood pressure; emotional problems; mental illness; myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become weak); osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become weak and fragile and can break easily); seizures; tuberculosis (TB); ulcers; or liver, kidney, intestinal, heart, or thyroid disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking prednisone, call your doctor.
• do not have any vaccinations (shots to prevent diseases) without talking to your doctor.
• you should know that prednisone may decrease your ability to fight infection and may prevent you from developing symptoms if you get an infection. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often while you are taking this medication. Be sure to avoid people who have chickenpox or measles. Call your doctor immediately if you think you may have been around someone who had chickenpox or measles.

Common prednisone side effects include but are not limited to:

• sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes
• acne, increased sweating, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration
• slow wound healing
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation
• nausea, stomach pain, bloating
• increased appetite, gradual weight gain
• changes in the shape or location of body fat 

• Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to prednisone: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, eye pain
• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath
• severe depression, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, changes in personality or behavior, seizure (convulsions)
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
• symptoms of low potassium 
• symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure 

Why is Deltasone prescribed?

Deltasone is used as an anti-inflammatory or an immunosuppressant medication. Prednisone treats many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, immune system disorders, etc.

Is there anything I should avoid while on Deltasone?

• Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. 
• Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using this medicine. 

How and where should I keep this medicine?

Store Deltasone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.