Prednisone is a synthetic hormone commonly referred to as a "steroid." Prednisone is very similar to the hormone cortisone, which the body manufactures. Prednisone is used to treat many illnesses.

How does prednisone work?

Adverse effects do not occur in all patients and are usually related to the amount and length of time prednisone is used. Potential adverse effects will be monitored by your physician and include:

Insomnia and mood changes. Euphoria or depression may occur. The cause is uncertain. It is best to take prednisone it in the morning to reduce the chances of insomnia at night.

Increased appetite and weight gain. Prednisone increases the appetite. Follow a diet to maintain your weight. Develop an eating schedule and stick to it. If you eat when you feel hungry, you will be eating all the time.

Susceptibility to infections. Prednisone slightly decreases resistance to infection. Avoid individuals with infectious illnesses if possible. Notify your physician if you develop persistent signs of an infection.

Stomach upset (indigestion, stomach burning) or ulcer. Prednisone may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Take prednisone with meals, milk or antacids. Do not take it on an empty stomach.

Fluid retention. Prednisone can cause fluid retention. Your physician will monitor this process. Fluid retention can be caused by sodium retention and potassium depletion through frequent urination. A salt-restricted/potassium-rich diet may help reduce fluid retention.

Hypertension. Prednisone may cause a rise in blood pressure. Your physician can treat this, if necessary.

Hyperglycemia or diabetes (elevated blood sugar). Prednisone may increase the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. With periodic blood work, your physician can monitor this.

If prednisone is stopped too quickly, serious adverse effects can occur (nausea, vomiting, pain, fever, and/or flare-up of disease). Rapid withdrawal or stopping of prednisone may cause these adverse effects. Never stop or change your prednisone dose without your doctor’s consent. If you are planning a trip, always carry an extra supply.

If adverse effects develop, they will persist usually as long as the medication is continued. As the dose decreases so will the adverse effects. Some adverse effects are permanent and will not reverse after the medication is discontinued.

Patients taking prednisone should be on high-protein, low-salt, low-carbohydrate diets and eat well-balanced meals.

What should I do if I miss a dose of prednisone?

You should try to avoid missing a dose of prednisone. If you do, follow these guidelines.

Yes, any doctor or dentist who is taking care of you should know you are taking prednisone. In case of an emergency, your family or close friends should also know you are taking prednisone. You should carry an identification card stating that you are taking prednisone and any other medications, plus your doctor’s name and phone number. This is valuable information should an emergency occur.

These are terms used to describe typical dosage patterns of prednisone.

• High Day, Low Day and Off Day refer to the dosages you may take on an alternate day schedule.
• High Day is the day when you take a higher dose of prednisone.
• Low Day is the day when you take a lower dose of prednisone.
• Off Day describes a day when your prednisone dose is 0 mg. (when you don’t take any prednisone).

Schedules are determined by the body’s response to the prednisone. Severity of myasthenia, control of myasthenia symptoms, and the development of adverse effects are all taken into consideration when your physician determines your dosage of prednisone.

Ó Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc., 2000