It’s a corticosteroid that works by lessening inflammation in the body and suppressing the immune system. Show
Corticosteroids, like prednisone, mimic the effects of hormones that your body produces naturally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved prednisone in 1955. Everyday Health Everyday Health By Julie Lynn Marks Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDusesWhat is Prednisone (Deltasone) used for?
Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum warningsWhat is the most important information I should know about Prednisone (Deltasone)?You should not use prednisone if you are allergic to it, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body. Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you've had within the past several weeks. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke or drink alcohol, if you do not exercise, or if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using prednisone. Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum User Reviews & RatingOverall rating for Prednisone (Deltasone)2.6 out of 5 (146 Prednisone (Deltasone) Reviews)Side Effects 2.3Easy to Use 3.7Effectiveness 3.3Read Prednisone (Deltasone) ReviewsCerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum Side EffectsWhat are the side effects of Prednisone (Deltasone)?Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have:
Prednisone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine. Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum Pregnancy & BreastfeedingCan I take Prednisone (Deltasone) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using prednisone. Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum InteractionsWhat drugs and food should I avoid while taking Prednisone (Deltasone)?Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using prednisone. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol. Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum Dosage Guidelines & TipsHow to take Prednisone (Deltasone)?Use Prednisone (Deltasone) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Prednisone is taken daily or every other day, depending on the condition being treated. You may need to take the medicine at a certain time of day. Follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to take this medicine. Take with food if prednisone upsets your stomach. Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Prednisone can weaken (suppress) your immune system, and you may get an infection more easily. Call your doctor if you have signs of infection (fever, weakness, cold or flu symptoms, skin sores, diarrhea, frequent or recurring illness). If you have major surgery or a severe injury or infection, your prednisone dose needs may change. Make sure any doctor caring for you knows you are using this medicine. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need medical tests and vision exams. In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use a steroid. You should not stop using prednisone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What should I do if I missed a dose of Prednisone (Deltasone)? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum Overdose SignsWhat happens if I overdose on Prednisone (Deltasone)?High doses or long-term use of prednisone can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Prednisone (Deltasone), call your doctor or the Poison Control center (800) 222-1222If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Prednisone (Deltasone), call 911 911Cerner Multum Cerner Multum Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner Multum What to ExpectPrednisone usually works quickly, within one to two hours. The extended-release tablets begin working in about six hours. Prednisone stops its therapeutic effects soon after you discontinue using it. But if you’ve been taking prednisone for a long time, some side effects from the medication may last for a while after you’ve stopped the medicine. You may need to take prednisone for only a few days. In some cases, you’ll need to use the medicine for an extended period of time, or maybe even for the rest of your life. If you’re taking prednisone for a long time and need to stop treatment, you might have to taper off slowly. Everyday Health Everyday Health By Julie Lynn Marks Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDAdditional Dosage InformationYour dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, weight, and other factors. Prednisone may not work as well if you don’t follow your medication schedule. Try not to miss a dose. Everyday Health Everyday Health By Julie Lynn Marks Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDSecondary UsesPrednisone is used for numerous medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend it for conditions that aren’t listed in this medical guide. 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