Prednisolone

• ​Increased risk of unusual infection
  
• Slow wound healing
  
• Reactivation of old viral disease such as herpes
  
• Poorer diabetic and blood pressure control
  
• Salt level disturbance in the blood
  
• Gastritis / gastric ulcers
  
• Increased appetite and weight gain
  
• Water retention leading to swelling of legs and body
  
• Depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, restlessness
  
• Irregular menstrual periods​
  

​Before taking Prednisolone, tell your doctor if you

• Are allergic to any drug
• Are taking any other medications or over-the-counter medications
• Have liver, kidney or heart disease
• Have history of gastritis, gastric ulcers, or other intestinal problems
• Have diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, thyroid disease or myasethenia gravis
• Have Hepatitis B or C (including carrier state)
• Have any type of infection such as tuberculosis (TB) or fungus
• Have a history of herpes virus eye infection
• Have a history of osteoporosis or unusual fractures
• Have depression or any psychiatric problems
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant
  

​​It is taken orally as tablet. A high dose is used for the initial therapy or during periods when the condition worsens to suppress the inflammation quickly. The dosage is then tailed down gradually to the minimal dose needed to control the disease. The duration of treatment will depend on how your body responds to the treatment.

​It is very important to avoid missing doses of Prednisolone.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

​Keep​ Prednisolone tablets in their prescribed containers at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.

• ​Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  
• Unusual fever / chills
  
• Excessive stomach pain, nausea or vomiting​
  
• Bloody or unusually dark stools
  
• Eye pain, redness or reduced vision
  
• Unexplained headache, hearing ringing sounds
  
• Unusual shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or coughing blood
  
• Confusion, depression, having suicidal thoughts or behaviour
  
• Having seizure (convulsion)
  
• Unusual rash, skin sores, prolonged ulcers, or having poor wound healing
  
• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions like rash, hives, itch, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
  

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

​

You should consume a low-salt, high potassium and protein diet. Prednisolone can be taken with other anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAIDs (eg. Aspirin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen) but you should inform your doctor. Concurrent use of traditional medication such as Chinese medicine is discouraged as these may contain additional unpredictable levels of steroids, making it difficult to monitor your disease control and associated side-effects.