Arthritis - Hostacortin (Brand name: prednisone)

Product Description

Common use

Prednisone is a corticosteroid  used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and severe cases of asthma. Prednisone decreases or prevents tissues from responding to inflammation and also modifies the body's response to certain immune stimulation.

Dosage and direction

Take it orally with or without food (it's recommended that Hostacortin be taken with food).
Commonly used dosage is various from 5 to 60 mg per day and often is adjusted based on the response of the condition being treated. Corticosteroids should be used for several days for best result. Prolonged therapy with this drug causes the adrenal glands to atrophy and stop producing cortisol, so when Prednisone is discontinued after a period of prolonged therapy, the dose of Prednisone must be tapered to allow the adrenal glands time to recover.
Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult your doctor before using. It will help you to get the best results.

Precautions

You should not start taking Prednisone if you are suffering from a severe bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Do not use this drug without doctor's permission if your medical history includes: kidney disease, a psychiatric condition, heart disease or high blood pressure, liver disease, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis, or stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis or any other medical disorders. Do not stop taking Prednisone suddenly because your own adrenal glands cannot quickly produce enough cortisone. Also note that this drug increases appetite! So you must control your meal. Use caution in children because Prednisone can affect growth. Prednisone should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice. Do not use before breast-feeding without doctor's advice.

Contraindications

Prednisone is not allowed to people who are hypersensitive to any components of this medicine. Also Prednisone contraindicated in the presence of infections, especially tuberculosis, fungal infectons, amebiasis, vaccinia and varicella, and antibiotic-resistant infections; lactation.

Possible side effect

They may include all types of an allergic reaction. Also the most serious side effects include:
problems with your vision;
swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure;
bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
pancreatitis;
low potassium;
dangerously high blood pressure.
Less serious include:
sleep problems, mood changes;
acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
slow wound healing;
increased sweating;
headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
nausea, stomach pain, bloating;
changes in the shape or location of body fat.
If you experience one of them stop using Prednisone and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interaction

Prednisine interacts with the following dugs: aspirin; a diuretic; a blood thinner such as warfarin; cyclosporine; insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth; ketoconazole; rifampin; seizure medications such as phenytoin or phenobarbital. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Prednisone overdose may include thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat, increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.