PREDNISONE

Dear @Name@,

Your healthcare team has discussed the following subject with you: prednisone. The brand name is Deltasone. Here is some additional information. Let us know if you have any questions regarding this information.

How it works: This medication belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.These powerful and fast-acting medications help reduce irritation and swelling (inflammation) in the intestines and throughout the body, including joints, skin, and eyes.

How it is taken: This medication is given as a pill. You should notice an improvement of symptoms within days of starting this medication. While steroids can be used for weeks or months, they should only be used for short periods of time because of their side effects. Steroids can be used to get you well in the short term, but should never be a long term maintenance medication.

Possible side effects: Side effects can include yeast infections (in the mouth or female reproductive organs), urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, weight gain, stretch marks, acne, rounding of the face (moon face), facial hair, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and psychiatric symptoms. These side effects will usually go away when the medication is stopped

Special considerations: Long-term use of steroids can result in a weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, and cataracts. If you have been on a prolonged course of prednisone, you should not abruptly stop this medication and rather will need to taper the dose down slowly. Please discuss with your provider before stopping this medication on your own.

Points to remember: Before taking this medication, let your healthcare team know about other medical conditions that you may have or other medications (even over-the-counter medications or complementary therapies) you may be taking.  If you have experienced worsening mood or psychiatric symptoms when taking prednisone  in the past, notify your healthcare team.

Other tips: Taking this medication in the morning may help with the possible side effect of insomnia. The best way to control your disease is by taking your medication as directed. Even when you do not have any symptoms, it is very important to continue taking your medication to prevent your disease from becoming active again. Do not alter the amount of the medication or how frequently you take it on your own.

For further information, please check out http://www.ibdmedicationguide.org/ or follow this link