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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prednisolone?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to prednisolone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• liver disease (such as cirrhosis);
• kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• a history of malaria;
• tuberculosis;
• osteoporosis;
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• herpes infection of the eyes;
• stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
• depression or mental illness;
• congestive heart failure; or
• high blood pressure

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether prednisolone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Prednisolone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

How should I take prednisolone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.

Measure the liquid form of prednisolone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Keep the disintegrating tablet (Orapred ODT) in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package using dry hands, and peel back the foil from the tablet blister (do not push the tablet through the foil). Remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.

Allow the disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Steroids can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using prednisolone.

Do not stop using prednisolone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking a steroid, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking steroid medication.

Store prednisolone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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