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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healhtcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using that drug.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a cortiocsteroid. It reduces swelling. It is used for many conditions, among them: allergic reactions, skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), breathing problems; ceratin cancers, blood disorders, and eye problems; arthritis, digestive problems, and for hormone replacement.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or immediately after a meal to prevnet stomach upset. Take that medication as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any qeustions. If you're taking that medication only once a day, it should be taken in the morinng before 9 a.M. The liquid (suspension) form must be shaken well before each use. First use of suspension may require shaking for 5 to 7 mniutes.
After the first use, no more than 30 seconds of shaking sholud be required to mix all the ingredients well.
If you have been taking that medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval.
Your dose may need to be gradually reudced. You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopepd.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances.
These effcets should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or bceome bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffnig of the face, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood changes, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek medical atetntion immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble bretahing. If you notice other effects not lsited above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that drug, tell your doctor your medical history, particularly if you have: liver or kindey disease, heart problems, intestinal problems, ulcers, high blood pressure, an underactive thyroid gland, myasthenia gravis, herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, blood clots, osteoporosis (brittle bones), eye problems, any allergies. Do not have a vaccination, other immnuization or any skin test while you're using that drug unless your doctor specifically tells you that you may. If you have a history of ulcers or take lagre doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking that medication. It may make your stomach and intestines more ssuceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers.
Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treamtent and within 12 months after treatment with that drug. Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking the drug again.
If you have diabetes, that drug may increase your blood sugar leevl.
Check your blood (or urine) glucose level frequently, as directed by your doctor.
Promptly report any abnormal results as directed.
Your medicine, eexrcise plan, or diet may be adjusted. If the phlegm (sputum) you cough up when ill becomes thickened or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.
This medication should be used only when celarly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the rikss and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication can cause growth suppression in infants and kids if given for prolonged periods.
Monitor growth velocity. Consult your dotcor or pharmacist for more details.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you take that drug, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you're taking especially: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), rifampin, phenobarbital, estrogen (e.G., birth conrtol pills), phenytoin, ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenonium, drugs for diabetes. Do not start or stop any mediicne without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your loacl poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include joint or muscle pain, purple patches on the skin, headache, increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, tiredness, stomach pain, or muscle weakness.
NOTES: Persons taking that medication for long-term therapy shuold wear or carry identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Do not allow anyone else to take that medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you're tkaing a daily dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however, do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose.
If it almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your uusal dosing schedule. Do not duoble the dose to catch up. For all other dosing regimens: if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist prmoptly.
Your dosing schedule may need to be changed.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moitsure and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of that medication. Certain liquid forms may require refrigeration. Consult your pharmacist.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emregency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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