Prednisone (Deltasone)

Prednisone is used for treating severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing or preventing tissues from responding to inflammation. It also modifies the body's response to certain immune stimulation.

Do NOT use Prednisone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Prednisone
• you have a systemic fungal infection
• you are currently taking mifepristone

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox)
• if you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or ulcerative colitis
• if you have heart problems, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or perforation, or an ulcer
• if you have a history of mental problems, such as depression
• if you have a herpes infection in your eye or any other type of infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral); have or recently had tuberculosis (TB) or tested positive for TB, measles, or chickenpox.

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because the effectiveness of Prednisone may be decreased
• Clarithromycin azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), steroidal contraceptives (eg, desogestrel), or troleandomycin because side effects, such as weakness, confusion, muscle aches, joint pain, or low blood sugar, may occur
• Methotrexate or ritodrine because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), mifepristone, or live vaccines because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased or decreased

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes; nervousness.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools; changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever; general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness; personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever; puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.

If you have any questions about Prednisone (Deltasone), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Prednisone (Deltasone) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.