Prednisone

About Prednisone

This medication is used to treat inflammation, allergic reactions, or suppress the immune system in various acute and chronic illnesses.

• Allergy symptoms
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Leukemia & Lymphoma
• Skin rashes
• Tonsillitis
• Prednisone replaces an important chemical/hormone produced by the body
• It blocks allergic reactions by minimizing or preventing the body’s abnormal response to an allergen it considers harmful.
• It prevents or reduces swelling.
• It decreases the body’s harmful responses to diseases that affect the immune system.

How Is it Best Taken?

If prescribed once daily, take the dose in the morning with food to prevent stomach upset. 

Possible Side Effects

• Most Common
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feeling “jittery” or restless
  • Upset stomach
  • Palpitations
  • Mood changes like anxiety, irritability, or depression
• Less Common
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Stomach or esophageal ulcers
  • Worsening of underlying infections
  • Increased blood sugar
• Long Term
  • Weight gain
  • Reduced bone density
  • Skin changes (stretch marks, etc.

Avoid

Alcohol should be avoided. It worsens the stomach and gastrointestinal side effects already associated with prednisone.

Emergencies

In an emergency go to Mount Nittany Medical Center or call 911 for an ambulance.

Test Results and Advice Nurse

Send a secure message to the advice nurse via myUHS or call 814-865-4UHS (4847) (Press 3). 

Appointments 

Schedule an appointment online or by calling the UHS.  

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. This information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Approved by the UHS Patient Education Committee Revised 01/2022