Prednisone can be used by itself or with other medications to treat symptoms of low corticosteroid levels as well as other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. Conditions include different types of arthritis, allergic reactions that are severe, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, prednisone can sometimes be used to treat symptoms of certain kinds of cancers. Prednisone works to treat other conditions by reducing redness and swelling and altering the way the immune system works. Prednisone must be prescribed by a doctor.
Learn more about what Prednisone Treats here.
Prednisone is like cortisol, which is a naturally made hormone by the body more specifically by the adrenal glands. When someone starts taking prednisone for more than a few weeks, the adrenal glands in the body decrease the amount of cortisol production. Gradually decreasing prednisone over time helps to give the adrenal glands time to get back to their usual role. The time needed to taper off prednisone depends on what disease is being treated and other medical considerations. Recovery can take anywhere from a week to months. When someone abruptly stops taking prednisone a person can experience weakness, body aches, nausea, loss of appetite, irritability or mood swings, severe fatigue, and more. If you forget a dose that was prescribed, call your doctor to follow instructions of what to do. Prednisone can have side effects such as headache, mood changes, acne, bulging eyes, thin fragile skin, red or purple blotches or lines under the skin, dizziness, and more. There are some more serious side effects that can be serious, and someone should call their doctor immediately if these side effects occur: vision problems, seizures, confusion, shaking hands, muscle twitching, numbness, burning, or tingling of the legs, face, arms, feet, or hands, depression, eye pain, redness, or tearing.
Prednisone should be stored in the container it came in and out of reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature and kept from excess moisture or heat. Not recommended to store in a bathroom. Other information to know when taking prednisone is to keep appointments with your doctor so they can order certain lab tests to see how you are responding to prednisone. Do not let anyone else take your prednisone and keep a list of all other medications you are taking.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/prednisone-withdrawal/expert-answers/faq-20057923
