Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicen-M, Prednisone Intensol, Sterapred, Decortisyl.

Also - Prednisolone (brand names: Articulose-50, Delta-Cortef, Hydeltra-T.B.A., Hydeltrasol, Key-Pred, Nor-Pred T.B.A., Pediapred, Predaject-50, Predalone 50, Predate, Predcor, Predicort-50, Prelone)

Medication type - Corticosteroid.

Common side effects - Increased appetite, indigestion, nervousness, insomnia, greater susceptibility to infections, increased blood pressure, slowed wound healing, weight gain, easy bruising, fluid retention.

Rare side effects - Change in skin color, dizziness, headache, increased sweating, unusual growth of body or facial hair, increased blood sugar, peptic ulcers, adrenal insufficiency, muscle weakness, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis.

Serious side effects - Vision problems, frequent urination, increased thirst, rectal bleeding, blistering skin, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, euphoria, depression, mood swings, redness and swelling at injection site. Call your doctor immediately.

Dosage - For severe inflammation or to suppress the immune system: 5 to 100 mg a day in divided doses.

Uses - To treat numerous conditions that involve inflammation (a response by body tissues, producing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain).

Other notes - Should be taken with milk or food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.With long-term therapy, do not stop taking the drug abruptly; the dosage should be decreased gradually. Alcohol may cause stomach problems; avoid it unless your physician approves occasional moderate drinking. Overuse during pregnancy can retard the childs growth and cause other developmental problems. Do not use this drug while breast feeding. This drug can lower resistance to infection. Avoid immunizations with live vaccines. Patients undergoing long-term therapy should wear a medical-alert bracelet. Call your doctor if you develop a fever. Avoid excess sodium.