Prednisone Coupon & Discounts

Prednisone Information:

• What

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that works as an effective immunosuppressant drug. Immunosuppressant drugs are used when the body’s own immune system is attacking the body. These attacks are brought on by autoimmune diseases. A prednisone prescription is usually given to reduce inflammation in the body and to reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases and disorders such as arthritis, allergies, cancer and lupus among others.

• How

How do I take prednisone?

Prednisone comes as a tablet, or a liquid to be taken orally. It can be obtained at your local pharmacy with a prescription. Prednisone is usually taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day. Your personal dosing schedule will depend on your condition and on how you respond to treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prednisone exactly as directed by your doctor.

If taking the concentrated solution, use the specially marked dropper that comes with the medication to measure your dose. The concentrated solution can be mixed with juice, other flavored liquids, or soft foods such as applesauce.

Your doctor may change your prednisone prescription frequently during your treatment to ensure that you are taking the lowest dose possible and still maintain efficacy. Your doctor may also need to change your dose if you experience unusual stress on your body such as surgery, illness, infection, or a severe asthma attack. Tell your doctor about any changes in your symptoms or health while taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone to treat a chronic disease, it may help control your symptoms but will not cure the disease. Continue to take prednisone even if you feel well. Do not stop using this medication without the approval of your doctor. 

• Other Uses

Other uses for this medicine

Prednisone is also sometimes used with antibiotics to treat a certain type of pneumonia in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Precautions

Before taking prednisone, tell your doctor if:

• You are allergic to prednisone, any other medications.
• You are taking amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend), aprepitant (Emend); aspirin; carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol); cimetidine (Tagamet), clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpak), cyclosporine (Neoral), delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak); diuretics, efavirenz (Sustiva), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin), atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), hormonal contraceptives, lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor), diabetes medications, nefazodone; nevirapine (Viramune), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Zoloft, troleandomycin (TAO), verapamil (Calan, Covera), and zafirlukast (Accolate).
• You are taking St. John's wort.
• You have an eye infection now or have ever had eye infections that come and go.
• You have or have ever had threadworms, diabetes, high blood pressure, emotional problems, mental illness, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, seizures, tuberculosis (TB), ulcers, or liver, kidney, intestinal, heart, or thyroid disease.
• You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Because it suppresses the immune system, prednisone may diminish your body’s ability to fight infection and may prevent you from developing symptoms if you get sick. Avoid sick people and wash your hands often while taking this medication.

Be sure to avoid those who have chicken pox or measles. Call your doctor immediately if you think you may have been exposed to chicken pox or measles.

Do not have any vaccinations while taking prednisone without talking to your doctor first.

If you have surgery, including dental surgery, or need emergency medical treatment, tell the medical staff if you are taking or have recently stopped taking prednisone. Carry a card or wear a bracelet with this information in case you are unable to speak in an emergency.

Should I follow a special diet while taking prednisone?

You may be instructed to follow a low-salt, high potassium, or high calcium diet. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend a calcium or potassium supplement. Ask your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of prednisone?

If you miss a dose of prednisone, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it’s almost time for your next dose when you remember, call your doctor or health professional first. Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Do not take a double dose of prednisone without consulting with your health professional first. 

• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking prednisone?

Short term side effects from taking prednisone include high blood glucose levels, fluid retention, insomnia, euphoria and in rare cases, mania. Long term effects may include Cushing’s syndrome, steroid dementia syndrome, weight gain, osteoporosis, glaucoma and cataracts, type 2 diabetes.

Severe side effects may include:

Severe facial swelling, infections, anxiety, black stool, mouth sores or dry mouth, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer and blurred vision.

These are not all the possible side effects from taking prednisone. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing severe or persistent side effects.

• Storage

How do I store prednisone?

Store prednisone at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep away from excess heat and moisture. Store prednisone in a tightly closed container in a dark place out of the reach of children. Dispose of any unused or expired medication. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of medication

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on prednisone?

Signs of overdose on prednisone may include burning or itching skin, weakness, psychosis, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, worsening of health conditions, convulsions, deafness, swelling of the lower legs or feet and nervousness. If you or someone you know has overdosed on prednisone call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the patient has collapsed or stopped breathing, contact 911 emergency services.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Adrenal dependency is inevitable after taking prednisone for an extended period. This may cause the body to temporarily be unable to manufacture its own corticosteroids. Never stop taking prednisone abruptly. This could lead to an Addison crisis. Follow instructions given to you by your doctor. It may take weeks or even months for the body to begin naturally manufacturing corticosteroids again.

Brand Names

Brand names for prednisone include: Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Orasone, Adasone and others. Cheap prednisone can be obtained through the use of our free coupons. Get up to 75% off the retail cost of prednisone or brand-name prednisone products. Our coupons are ready to use and never expire.

• Why

Why is this medication prescribed?

Prednisone is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its own organs); and certain conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. It works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works.

• How

How should this medicine be used?

Prednisone comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and a concentrated solution to take by mouth. Prednisone is usually taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day. Your doctor will probably tell you to take your dose(s) of prednisone at certain time(s) of day every day. Your personal dosing schedule will depend on your condition and on how you respond to treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prednisone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking the concentrated solution, use the specially marked dropper that comes with the medication to measure your dose. You may mix the concentrated solution with juice, other flavored liquids, or soft foods such as applesauce.

Your doctor may change your dose of prednisone often during your treatment to be sure that you are always taking the lowest dose that works for you. Your doctor may also need to change your dose if you experience unusual stress on your body such as surgery, illness, infection, or a severe asthma attack. Tell your doctor if your symptoms improve or get worse or if you get sick or have any changes in your health during your treatment.

If you are taking prednisone to treat a long-lasting disease, the medication may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take prednisone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking prednisone without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking prednisone, your body may not have enough natural steroids to function normally. This may cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, slowed movements, upset stomach, weight loss, changes in skin color, sores in the mouth, and craving for salt. Call your doctor if you experience these or other unusual symptoms while you are taking decreasing doses of prednisone or after you stop taking the medication.

• Other Uses

Other uses for this medicine

Prednisone is also sometimes used with antibiotics to treat a certain type of pneumonia in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Special Precautions

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking prednisone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to prednisone, any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in prednisone tablets or solutions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); certain antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend);aprepitant (Emend); aspirin; carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpak); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others); dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak); diuretics ('water pills'); efavirenz (Sustiva); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Gris-PEG); HIV protease inhibitors including atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, and injections); lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor); medications for diabetes; nefazodone; nevirapine (Viramune); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); sertraline (Zoloft); troleandomycin (TAO); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); and zafirlukast (Accolate).Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have an eye infection now or have ever had eye infections that come and go and if you have or have ever had threadworms (a type of worm that can live inside the body); diabetes; high blood pressure; emotional problems; mental illness; myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become weak); osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become weak and fragile and can break easily); seizures; tuberculosis (TB); ulcers; or liver, kidney, intestinal, heart, or thyroid disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking prednisone, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, or need emergency medical treatment, tell the doctor, dentist, or medical staff that you are taking or have recently stopped taking prednisone. You should carry a card or wear a bracelet with this information in case you are unable to speak in a medical emergency.
• do not have any vaccinations (shots to prevent diseases) without talking to your doctor.
• you should know that prednisone may decrease your ability to fight infection and may prevent you from developing symptoms if you get an infection. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often while you are taking this medication. Be sure to avoid people who have chicken pox or measles. Call your doctor immediately if you think you may have been around someone who had chicken pox or measles.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Your doctor may instruct you to follow a low-salt, high potassium, or high calcium diet. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend a calcium or potassium supplement. Follow these directions carefully.

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication.

• What If I Forget?

What should I do if I forget a dose?

When you start to take prednisone, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose. Write down these instructions so that you can refer to them later. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose and do not know what to do. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

• Side Effects

What side effects can this medication cause?

Prednisone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• inappropriate happiness
• extreme changes in mood
• changes in personality
• bulging eyes
• acne
• thin, fragile skin
• red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• increased hair growth
• changes in the way fat is spread around the body
• extreme tiredness
• weak muscles
• irregular or absent menstrual periods
• decreased sexual desire
• heartburn
• increased sweating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• vision problems
• eye pain, redness, or tearing
• sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
• seizures
• depression
• loss of contact with reality
• confusion
• muscle twitching or tightening
• shaking of the hands that you cannot control
• numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• lightheadedness
• irregular heartbeat
• sudden weight gain
• shortness of breath, especially during the night
• dry, hacking cough
• swelling or pain in the stomach
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• rash
• hives
• itching

Prednisone may slow growth and development in children. Your child's doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving prednisone to your child.

Prednisone may increase the risk that you will develop osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking prednisone and about things that you can do to decrease the chance that you will develop osteoporosis.

Some patients who took prednisone or similar medications developed a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking prednisone.

Prednisone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

• Storage Conditions

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

• Emergency

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

• Other Info

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to prednisone.

If you are having any skin tests such as allergy tests or tuberculosis tests, tell the doctor or technician that you are taking prednisone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

• Prednisone Intensol^®
• Sterapred^®
• Sterapred^® DS
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking Benicar?

If any of the following occur, you need to get emergency medical assistance: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.  You should also alert your doctor if you feel light headed, are urinating infrequently, severe diarrhea and weight loss, chest pain or swelling in your hands and fee.  Dizziness is a common but not so serious side effect of Benicar.