Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg Tablets

Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg Uses

Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg tablets are prescribed to:

• Manage severe autoimmune disorders, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Treat life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis or severe asthma attacks.
• Alleviate inflammation in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Treat certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, as part of combination therapy.
• Prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

How Does Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg Work

Prednisone/Prednisolone mimics cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands, to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation. This mechanism helps manage symptoms and prevents disease progression in various acute and chronic conditions.

How to Use Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg

• Take Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily in the morning to align with your body’s natural cortisol production.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water, preferably with food to minimize stomach irritation.
• If the dosage is to be tapered, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid withdrawal effects.
• Avoid missing doses to ensure consistent therapeutic effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Mood swings, such as irritability or anxiety
• Indigestion or upset stomach

Rare but serious side effects include:

• High blood sugar or symptoms of diabetes
• Increased susceptibility to infections due to immune suppression
• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) with long-term use
• Vision changes, such as cataracts or glaucoma

Drug Interactions

Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg may interact with:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Antidiabetic medications, as corticosteroids can elevate blood sugar levels.
• Antifungal drugs like ketoconazole, which can alter corticosteroid metabolism.
• Live vaccines, which may be less effective or cause adverse effects.

Food Interactions

• Take the medication with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Limit salt intake to prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Include calcium and vitamin D-rich foods in your diet to maintain bone health during prolonged use.

Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg Contraindications

This medication is not suitable for:

• Individuals allergic to Prednisone, Prednisolone, or any of the tablet’s components.
• Patients with untreated systemic fungal infections.
• Individuals receiving live vaccines without medical supervision.

Precautions and Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of infections, diabetes, hypertension, or osteoporosis.
• Use cautiously in patients with peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or psychiatric disorders.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medication.
• Long-term therapy requires regular monitoring of blood pressure, glucose levels, and bone density.

Storage

• Store Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly, following local disposal guidelines.

Safety Information

• Use Prednisone/Prednisolone 40mg only as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not stop taking the medication abruptly; consult your doctor for proper tapering guidelines.
• Report any unusual symptoms, such as persistent infections, vision changes, or severe mood swings, to your healthcare provider immediately.