Prednisone 1mg Tablets

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is converted in the liver to its active metabolite, prednisolone. Prednisolone exerts its effects by binding to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus. This complex then modulates gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins (e.g., lipocortin) and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha). It also suppresses immune cell function, including lymphocyte proliferation and activity, thereby reducing inflammation and immune responses.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or discolored sputum, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of adrenal gland problems: severe nausea and vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Purple, red, blue, brown, or black bumps or patches on the skin or in the mouth.
Abnormal heartbeat: fast, slow, or irregular.
Chest pain or pressure.
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
Changes in menstrual period.
Bone or joint pain.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Changes in vision.
Confusion, difficulty focusing, or changes in behavior.
Memory problems or loss.
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
Seizures.
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations that are not normal.
Severe stomach pain.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Upset stomach or nausea
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Difficulty sleeping
Restlessness
Excessive sweating
Dizziness or headache

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have an active infection, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as conditions like amoeba infection (e.g., traveler's diarrhea), herpes infection of the eye, cerebral malaria, threadworm infestation, or any other type of infection.
* If you have any nerve problems affecting your eyes.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription and over-the-counter), natural products, vitamins, and health concerns with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

Important Information About Your Medication

It is crucial that you inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

If you are taking this medication for an extended period, your healthcare provider will need to monitor your blood work, body weight, and other laboratory tests regularly. Additionally, you may require regular checks of your eye pressure and bone density.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

High blood pressure is a possible side effect of this medication. Your doctor will need to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Long-term use of this medication may increase your risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
Prolonged use may also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis). Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and any concerns you may have.
This medication may interfere with allergy skin tests. Be sure to inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.
You may need to reduce your salt intake and increase your potassium consumption. Consult with your doctor for personalized advice.
If you have diabetes, it is essential to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.
Before consuming alcohol, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
Prior to receiving any vaccinations, consult with your doctor, as some vaccines may not be effective or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication.

Infection Risks

Chickenpox and measles can be severe or even life-threatening in individuals taking steroid medications like this one. Avoid close contact with anyone who has these illnesses if you have not previously been infected. If you have been exposed, inform your doctor immediately.
Steroid medications, including this one, increase the risk of infection. They can exacerbate existing infections and make it more challenging to detect signs of infection. The risk of complications from infections is typically higher with higher doses of steroids.
To minimize the risk of infection, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms of infection.

Reactivation of Infections

In some cases, this medication may reactivate latent infections, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B. Inform your doctor if you have a history of these infections.

Adrenal Insufficiency

This medication can suppress your body's natural production of steroids. If you experience fever, infection, surgery, or injury, inform your doctor, as your body's response to these stressors may be impaired. You may require additional steroid doses.

Stopping the Medication

Do not abruptly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. If you need to discontinue the medication, your doctor will provide guidance on how to gradually taper off the dose.
If you have missed a dose or recently stopped taking this medication and are experiencing fatigue, weakness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness, inform your doctor.

Additional Risks

Long-term use of this medication has been associated with an increased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
This medication may affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as this medication may pose risks to the unborn baby or infant. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks.
If you took this medication during pregnancy, inform your baby's doctor.

• Live or live-attenuated vaccines (risk of severe infection in immunosuppressed patients)
• Mifepristone (antagonizes corticosteroid effects)
• Aldesleukin (increased risk of adverse effects)

• NSAIDs (increased risk of GI ulceration/bleeding)
• Diuretics (thiazide and loop - increased risk of hypokalemia)
• Anticoagulants (warfarin - may alter anticoagulant effect, monitor INR)
• Antidiabetics (insulin, oral hypoglycemics - may increase blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment)
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine - decreased prednisone levels)
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin - increased prednisone levels)
• Digoxin (increased risk of toxicity with hypokalemia)
• Cyclosporine (increased levels of both drugs, increased risk of seizures)
• Cholestyramine, colestipol (may decrease prednisone absorption)
• Oral contraceptives (may increase prednisone levels)

• Antacids (may decrease absorption, separate administration)
• Grapefruit juice (potential minor increase in levels)

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, unusual fatigue, non-healing wounds)
• Hyperglycemia (increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision)
• Fluid retention/edema (swelling in ankles, feet, hands, sudden weight gain)
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression, euphoria, insomnia)
• Gastrointestinal upset (stomach pain, heartburn, black/tarry stools)
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Vision changes (blurred vision, halos around lights)
• Easy bruising or thinning skin
• Adrenal insufficiency symptoms upon withdrawal (severe fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)

Prednisone is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Studies in animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Neonates born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Prednisone is excreted into breast milk. While generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at typical doses (L3 - Moderately safe), caution is advised. Infant exposure can be minimized by waiting 4 hours after a dose before breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for signs of adverse effects such as growth suppression or adrenal suppression, especially with high maternal doses or prolonged therapy.

Corticosteroids can cause growth retardation in children. The lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration should be used. Monitor growth and development closely. Long-term use can also lead to adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and cataracts.

Elderly patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects, including osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, fluid retention, and cataracts. Use the lowest effective dose and monitor closely for side effects. Consider bone density monitoring and prophylactic measures for osteoporosis.

• Always taper prednisone doses gradually to prevent adrenal insufficiency, especially after prolonged therapy or high doses. The rate of taper depends on the dose and duration of therapy.
• Administer prednisone with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
• Patients on long-term prednisone therapy should carry a steroid card or wear medical identification to alert healthcare providers in emergencies.
• Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of infection, as corticosteroids can mask these signs and increase susceptibility to infections.
• Monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and electrolytes regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• Consider calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and potentially a bisphosphonate, for patients on long-term prednisone to mitigate bone loss.
• Mood changes (euphoria, depression, anxiety, insomnia) are common side effects and should be discussed with patients and caregivers.

• Other systemic corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone)
• NSAIDs (for inflammatory conditions, if appropriate)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, biologics - for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, often as steroid-sparing agents)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatologic conditions
• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)
• Bronchodilators (for asthma exacerbations)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.