Deltasone (Prednisone)

Description

Indications

Prednisone is prescribed as a monotherapy or in combination with other medications to alleviate the symptoms associated with insufficient levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, prednisone is employed in the treatment of various medical conditions in patients who have normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions encompass specific forms of arthritis, severe allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, lupus, as well as ailments affecting the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines.

Prednisone belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. In cases where corticosteroid levels are low, prednisone operates by replacing the naturally produced steroids within the body. For other conditions, its mechanism of action involves diminishing swelling and redness, and altering the functioning of the immune system.

Uses and Dosage

Prednisone is available in tablet, delayed-release tablet, liquid solution, and concentrated solution forms for oral administration. Typically, prednisone is taken orally with food, either one to four times a day or on alternate days. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding the timing of your prednisone doses, tailored to your condition and treatment response. Adhere to the prescribed dosage of prednisone precisely, without taking more or less of it, or altering the frequency or duration of treatment beyond the doctor’s recommendation.

If you are using the concentrated solution, utilize the provided dropper, marked specifically for measurement, to determine your dose accurately. The concentrated solution can be mixed with juice, flavored liquids, or soft foods such as applesauce.

Ensure that you swallow the delayed-release tablet whole, without chewing or crushing it.

During the course of your treatment, your doctor may make adjustments to your prednisone dosage to ensure that you are consistently taking the lowest effective dose. Changes to your dose may also be necessary in situations involving unusual physical stress on your body, such as surgery, illness, infection, or severe asthma attacks.

If you are taking prednisone for a chronic condition, note that the medication helps manage the condition but does not provide a cure. Continue taking prednisone as prescribed, even if you feel well. Discontinuing prednisone abruptly without consulting your doctor can result in insufficient natural steroid levels in your body, leading to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weakness, reduced mobility, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight loss, changes in skin pigmentation, mouth ulcers, and salt cravings. Contact your doctor if you experience these or any other unusual symptoms while gradually reducing your prednisone dosage or after discontinuing the medication.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• inappropriate happiness
• extreme changes in mood
• changes in personality
• bulging eyes
• acne
• thin, fragile skin
• red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• increased hair growth
• changes in the way fat is spread around the body
• extreme tiredness
• weak muscles
• irregular or absent menstrual periods
• decreased sexual desire
• heartburn
• increased sweating

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• vision problems
• eye pain, redness, or tearing
• sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
• seizures
• depression
• loss of contact with reality
• confusion
• muscle twitching or tightening
• shaking of the hands that you cannot control
• numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• lightheadedness
• irregular heartbeat
• sudden weight gain
• shortness of breath, especially during the night
• dry, hacking cough
• swelling or pain in the stomach
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• rash
• hives
• itching

Caution

Prior to initiating prednisone treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies to the medication or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using this medication, disclose your complete medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have or had current or past infections, heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or intestinal problems, bone loss (osteoporosis), mental or mood disorders, eye diseases, diabetes, mineral imbalance, seizures, blood clots, or bleeding disorders.

The prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can impede your body’s response to physical stress. Prior to undergoing surgery or emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness or injury, inform your doctor or dentist about your current or past use of this medication within the last 12 months. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual or extreme tiredness or experience weight loss. If you anticipate long-term use of this medication, carry a warning card or wear a medical ID bracelet that indicates your use of this medication.

This medication may mask signs of infection, making you more susceptible to infections or exacerbating existing infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious infections that can easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu.

The liquid form of this medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. If you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to restrict or avoid these substances in your diet, exercise caution.

Inform your healthcare professional about your use of prednisone before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered via nasal spray.

This medication may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Daily consumption of alcohol while using this medication can further elevate the risk of stomach bleeding.

Older adults may exhibit increased sensitivity to the side effects of this drug, particularly bone loss or pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and mental or mood changes such as confusion.

The prolonged use of this medication in children may impact their growth rate. Regular check-ups should be scheduled to monitor your child’s height and growth.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when clearly necessary. It may rarely cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period may experience hormone-related issues. Inform your doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

Although this medication passes into breast milk, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Deltasone is available in the following forms and strengths:

• prednisone tablet:
  • 1mg
  • 2.5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg
  • 20mg
  • 50mg

FAQ

How long does it take for Deltasone to work?

Deltasone usually achieves its effect within 1–2 hours. The delayed release tablets take effect about 6 hours after taking the dose.

How can you tell if Deltasone is working?

You should experience less pain and swelling.

Resources

1. https://rheumatology.org/patients/prednisone-deltasone
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prednisone-oral-tablet#:~:text=How%20to%20tell%20if%20the,whether%20this%20medication%20is%20working
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601102.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1787/deltasone-oral/details
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisone-oral-route/description/drg-20075269
6. https://www.drugs.com/cons/deltasone.html