Prednisone 5mg Tablets Pack 21's

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It exerts its effects by binding to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors in target tissues. This complex then translocates to the nucleus, where it modulates gene expression, leading to both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes), suppresses the migration of leukocytes, and reduces capillary permeability.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

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

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, trouble 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 changed sputum production, 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 insufficiency (weak adrenal gland): 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, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Shortness of breath, significant 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.
Menstrual changes.
Bone or joint pain.
Extreme fatigue or weakness.
Changes in vision.
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior.
Memory problems or loss.
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
Seizures.
Abnormal sensations: burning, numbness, or tingling.
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 experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that concern you or persist, contact your doctor:

Nausea or vomiting.
Increased appetite.
Weight gain.
Sleep disturbances.
Restlessness.
Excessive sweating.
Dizziness or headache.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or 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, such as amoeba infections (e.g., traveler's diarrhea), herpes infections of the eye, cerebral malaria, threadworm infestations, or any other type of infection.
* If you have 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 issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood work, body weight, and other laboratory tests as prescribed. Additionally, you may need to undergo regular checks for eye pressure and bone density.

Be aware that medications like this one can cause high blood pressure. Your doctor will instruct you on how often to have your blood pressure checked. Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.

Prolonged use of this drug may also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis). Your doctor can help determine if you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and answer any questions you may have. Furthermore, this medication may interfere with allergy skin tests, so it is vital to inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

You may need to reduce your salt intake and increase your potassium consumption. Consult with your doctor to determine the best approach for your specific situation. 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. Additionally, consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccines, as some vaccines may not be effective or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication.

It is crucial to avoid close contact with individuals who have chickenpox or measles, as these infections can be severe or even life-threatening in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have not had these infections before and are exposed to them, inform your doctor immediately. Steroid medications, including this one, increase the risk of infection, which can be mild or severe. To minimize this risk, wash your hands frequently, avoid people with infections, colds, or flu, and notify your doctor if you experience any signs of infection.

In some cases, medications like this one can reactivate latent infections, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B. Inform your doctor if you have a history of these infections. This medication suppresses the production of natural steroids in your body. If you experience fever, infection, surgery, or injury, inform your doctor, as your body's response to these stresses may be affected, and you may require additional steroid doses.

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

Long-term use of medications like this one has been associated with an increased risk of a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. 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. In children and adolescents, this medication may affect growth, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine the best approach.

This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. If you took this medication during pregnancy, inform your baby's doctor.

• Live or live-attenuated vaccines (in immunosuppressed patients)
• Systemic fungal infections (unless used for specific indications like adrenal insufficiency)

• NSAIDs (increased risk of GI ulceration/bleeding)
• Diuretics (thiazide and loop) (increased risk of hypokalemia)
• Antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemics) (may increase blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment)
• Warfarin (INR may be increased or decreased, monitor closely)
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine) (decreased prednisone/prednisolone levels, reduced efficacy)
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) (increased prednisone/prednisolone levels, increased toxicity)
• Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin) (increased risk of toxicity with hypokalemia)
• Aminoglutethimide (may decrease corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression)

• Antacids (may decrease prednisone absorption, separate administration)
• Cholestyramine, colestipol (may decrease prednisone absorption)
• Cyclosporine (increased levels of both drugs, increased risk of seizures)
• Oral contraceptives/estrogens (may increase prednisone effects)
• Fluoroquinolones (increased risk of tendon rupture, especially in elderly)
• Neuromuscular blockers (prolonged weakness/myopathy with long-term high-dose corticosteroids)

• Not available

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, painful urination)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands
• Unusual weight gain
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Changes in vision (blurred vision, eye pain)
• Severe stomach pain, black/tarry stools (GI bleeding)
• Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, psychosis)
• Increased thirst or urination (hyperglycemia)
• Slow wound healing

Prednisone is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects. Human data suggest a possible association with oral clefts, but the overall risk appears low. Prolonged or high-dose use near term may lead to fetal adrenal suppression, requiring monitoring of the neonate.

Prednisone is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, especially at doses up to 20 mg/day. For higher doses, waiting 4 hours after the dose before breastfeeding can minimize infant exposure. Monitor the infant for signs of adverse effects such as growth suppression or adrenal suppression, though these are rare.

Children are more susceptible to growth suppression and adrenal suppression with long-term corticosteroid use. Monitor growth and development closely. Alternate-day therapy may reduce some side effects. Increased risk of intracranial hypertension in children.

Elderly patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects such as osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, fluid retention, and skin fragility. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Close monitoring is essential.

• Always taper prednisone doses gradually, especially after prolonged therapy, to prevent adrenal insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation can be life-threatening.
• Administer prednisone with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
• Consider alternate-day dosing for long-term therapy to reduce adrenal suppression and other side effects, if clinically appropriate.
• Patients on long-term prednisone should receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation and consider bisphosphonate therapy to prevent osteoporosis.
• Be vigilant for signs of infection, as prednisone can mask symptoms and increase susceptibility.
• Monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, and electrolytes regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.
• Educate patients about potential mood changes and advise them to report severe psychiatric symptoms immediately.
• For patients undergoing surgery or experiencing severe stress, supplemental corticosteroid doses may be required to prevent adrenal crisis.

• Other systemic corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for inflammatory conditions (less potent)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune diseases (e.g., methotrexate, biologics)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil)
• Specific therapies for underlying conditions (e.g., bronchodilators for asthma, antihistamines for allergies)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. 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 be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.