Prednisone

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid steroid used to treat inflammatory conditions of the body, breathing difficulties, some cancers, allergies, psoriasis and other conditions. This drug does suppress the immune system and those taking this medicine should avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles. If you are exposed, contact your physician immediately.

Corticosteroids (kor-ti-koe-STER-oyds) (cortisone-like medicines) are used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body. They lessen swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. They are often used as part of the treatment for a number of different diseases, such as severe allergies or skin problems, asthma, or arthritis. Corticosteroids may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Your body naturally produces certain cortisone-like hormones that are necessary to maintain good health. If your body does not produce enough, your doctor may have prescribed this medicine to help make up the difference.

Corticosteroids are very strong medicines. In addition to their helpful effects in treating your medical problem, they have side effects that can be very serious. If your adrenal glands are not producing enough cortisone-like hormones, taking this medicine is not likely to cause problems unless you take too much of it. If you are taking this medicine to treat another medical problem, be sure that you discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

Corticosteroids may lower your resistance to infections. Also, any infection you get may be harder to treat. Always check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs of a possible infection, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. When this medicine is used for short periods of time, side effects usually are rare. However, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common
  • Decreased or blurred vision;  frequent urination;  increased thirst 
  
  

• Rare
  • Blindness (sudden, when injected in the head or neck area);  burning, numbness, pain, or tingling at or near place of injection ;  confusion;  excitement ;  false sense of well-being;  hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there);  mental depression;  mistaken feelings of self-importance or being mistreated;  mood swings (sudden and wide);  redness, swelling, or other sign of allergy or infection at place of injection;  restlessness ;  skin rash or hives 

Common misspelling of Prednisone - prendesone, predasone, prendozone, prendazone, Predisone