PRONISON

This medicine contains the active ingredient prednisone which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. These medicines are used for the treatment of many diseases and conditions when the adrenal cortex does not produce enough of these hormones which are necessary for our health. Prednisone is used for the reduction of inflammation in the body, such as inflammation of bowel, joint and muscles, but it is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when accompanied by morning stiffness, in adults.

Is Prednisone suitable for me?

Prednisone is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• If you are allergic to prednisone or other ingredients of this medicine

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have high blood pressure
• have heart problems
• have liver or kidney problems
• have mental problems
• have softened bones (osteomalacia)
• have diabetes mellitus or glaucoma 
• have osteoporosis 
• have an underactive thyroid
• have epilepsy
• have had a stomach ulcer or an inflammatory bowel disorder
• have hepatitis B (a liver disease caused by a virus)
• have recently had chickenpox, measles or shingles
• have Polio (an infectious disease caused by a virus affecting the nervous system)
• have acute fungal infection (e.g. thrush)
• have parasitic infection (e.g. roundworms)
• have ever had a blood clot in an artery or vein
• have tuberculosis
• have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)

Prednisone interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Prednisone?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take prednisone exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Prednisone side effects?

Like all medicines prednisone can cause side effects, including:

Common

• a hormone imbalance
• increased appetite and weight gain;
• diabetes;
• high cholesterol;
• heart rhythm disturbances
• accumulation of water
• reduced ability to fight infections
• increased susceptibility to and severity of infections
• clouding of the lens (cataract)
• increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
• stretch marks, bruising or red marks on the skin or in the mouth, wasting of the skin
• an increase or decrease in the number of blood cells
• muscle wasting and weakness
• bone wasting resulting in an increased risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis)
• difficulty in sleeping
• headache

Uncommon

• high blood pressure
• thickening or inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels and blood clots
• stomach ulcers and bleeding in the bowel
• increased hair growth, spots and other skin blemishes, delayed healing of skin wounds, acne

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.