Prednisone
Pain and inflammationAlso known as Deltasone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid — a strong anti-inflammatory that quiets your immune system. Doctors use it for flare-ups of all kinds: asthma, arthritis, allergic reactions, rashes, and more. It can work wonders fast. The crucial thing to understand: if you've been on it more than a couple of weeks, your body slows its own natural steroid production, so you must taper off gradually with your doctor's plan — never stop suddenly.
How to take it
When
In the morning — it mimics your body's natural rhythm and helps you sleep better at night.
Food
Take it with food or milk to protect your stomach.
Avoid
Never stop suddenly after more than a couple of weeks — taper as your doctor directs. Avoid people with chickenpox or measles if you haven't had them, and check before getting live vaccines.
Good to know
Expect possible mood swings, restless sleep, bigger appetite, and higher blood sugar. If you're on it long-term, ask your doctor about protecting your bones and eyes.
Missed a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember that day. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your schedule. Never double up.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes or irritability
- Fluid retention or puffiness
- Higher blood sugar
Call a doctor if
- Severe belly pain, or black, tarry stools — possible stomach bleeding. Get help now.
- Signs of infection — fever, chills, a wound that won't heal — call your doctor right away; prednisone can hide and worsen infections.
- Extreme mood changes, confusion, or thoughts of hurting yourself — get help now.
- Sudden vision changes or eye pain — call your doctor right away.
- You stopped it abruptly and feel weak, dizzy, nauseated, or faint — call your doctor now; your body may need the medicine restarted and tapered.