When it comes to the solutions like a “jack of all trades” regarding the immune system boost, a doctor may name Prednisone. It is known for affecting several health conditions and causing few severe side effects only. This guide will uncover the main characteristics of the medication, and speak of possible alternatives that may help one save some money.
The Profile of Prednisone
Prednisone is a medication known for treating several allergic disorders, and skin conditions. For example, one may be prescribed it to affect eye issues, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, psoriasis, or lupus among others. Speaking of its medical/chemical background, it belongs to the group of corticosteroid drugs (steroids but not the ones misused by the athletes). They work by affecting the cortisol levels, our stress hormones, and minimizing the inflammation processes. For instance, it directly affects the events when an allergy provokes swelling. You can find this medication in several forms including a tablet, as well as liquid/solutions.
The Right Intake of Prednisone
It would be fair to say that only your healthcare provider can determine the right dosing and intake regimen of this medication. You should speak to them about your existing health issues, medical history among others. Beyond that, you should ensure to reveal your current medication protocol to avoid interactions.
As for the dosing regimen of Prednisone, you can also refer to the prescription label, while your doctor may adjust the dose to help you achieve the best therapeutic effects for your allergy. You should take it with food only for smooth digestive purposes. In case you are prescribed a liquid/solution formula, you have to measure it with a designated spoon or medicine cup. Do not try to measure the amount relying on your eye only. Please, do avoid crushing, chewing the delayed-release tablets, but just swallow them in whole.
During the treatment with Prednisone, you will need to pass regular blood tests and have your blood pressure checked to ensure the medication fits you perfectly without causing other health deteriorations. Do not stop taking it suddenly, but proceed with your doctor’s gradual decrease of the dose to avoid side effects.
Note, if you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember about it. If you remember about the missed dose when it is the time for the next scheduled dose, just stick to one dose without doubling it all. In case of overdose events, you should seek emergency help immediately. Call 911.
Alternative Drugs
If you are not new to such allergy medications, you are most likely to know about the never-ending battle between Prednisone and Prednisolone. What medication may fit you the best? In simple terms, they carry a similar mission – to help a person painlessly control inflammation alongside an overactive immune system. Yet, both of them are prescribed only after determining their efficacy and safety for one’s particular case. For instance, the long-term intake of both is limited because of the possibility of experiencing severe side effects including adrenal suppression. How does Prednisolone differ from Prednisone – more detailed information about the first will help you this source.
Another possible alternative is Meloxicam. It is a typical medication for short-term relief when it comes to arthritis inflammation and pain disorders. On the other hand, one of the main pitfalls a patient may come across is the negative effects on heart/stomach, and potential bleeding. You can read more about Meloxicam here.
Warnings
As was said above, Prednisone is a medication that can affect several health conditions including allergic disorders, and skin conditions. At the same time, it cannot be taken among certain groups of patients. For instance, it should not be taken if you have an existing fungal/mycotic infection that is currently treated with oral antifungal drugs. If you treat it with topical medications, it is not a problem.
Then, you should obligatorily avoid the company of sick people or those who have been diagnosed with the infection, while you are on the treatment. The problem is that it can slow down your immune system, and you will be exposed to a greater risk of suffering from another infection too.
Supervise your health while starting the treatment with this drug. It particularly concerns your breathing or pain signals. For example, you should immediately call the doctor if you have strong stomach pain, bloody urine/stool, depression, anxiety attacks and other mood changes.
What about the negative effects on health? Its intake is linked to several adverse reactions which are usually rare or bear temporary character if you always follow the doctor’s instructions. Among the most common side effects, there are:
- difficulty breathing;
- urticarial fever;
- face or extremities swelling;
- blurred vision;
- rapid weight changes.
For more information on adverse effects, you should refer to your doctor. Finally, be careful with interactions. You should inform your health care provider if you currently take cyclosporine, digoxin, clarithromycin or telithromycin, warfarin. This is not a full list of all medications which may cause interactions.
Please, do consider all the above-mentioned information only for knowledge purposes. Do not diagnose yourself alone or prescribe Prednisone without being consulted by your healthcare provider or visit our contact page.