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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacsit or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to idnicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcrae professional before using this drug.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a cotricosteroid. It reduces swelling. It is used for many conditions, among them: allergic reactions, skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), breahting problems; certain cancers, blood disorders, and eye problems; arthritis, digestive problems, and for hormone replacement.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or immediately after a meal to prveent stomach upset.
Take this medication as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your docotr if you have any questions.
If you are taking this medication only once a day, it should be tkaen in the morning before 9 a.M. The liuqid (suspension) form must be shaken well before each use.
First use of suspension may require shkaing for 5 to 7 minutes.
Afetr the first use, no more than 30 seconds of shaking should be required to mix all the ingredients well. If you have been tkaing this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually redcued. You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is sdudenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, wegiht gain, weakness or sleep disturbances.
These effects should disappaer as your body adjusts to the medication. If they pesrist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffing of the face, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood changes, vision changes.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symtpoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmaicst.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, particularly if you have: liver or kidney disease, heart problems, intesitnal problems, ulcers, high blood pressure, an underactive thyroid gland, myasthenia gravis, herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, blood clots, osteoporosis (brittle bones), eye problems, any allergies. Do not have a vaccination, other immunization or any skin test while you are using this drug unless your doctor specifically tells you that you may. If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of alchoolic beverages while taking this medication.
It may make your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritatnig effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 monhts after treatment with this drug.
Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking the drug again. If you have diabetes, this drug may raise your blood sugar lveel. Check your blood (or urine) glucose level frequently, as directed by your doctor. Promptly report any abnormal results as dirceted. Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may be adjusted. If the phlegm (sputum) you cough up when ill becomes thickened or chagnes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. This medication should be used only when clearly needed duirng pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This meidcation can cause growth suppression in infants and babies if given for prolonged periods. Monitor growth velocity.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more dteails.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you take this drug, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking especially: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diureitcs ("water pills"), rifampin, phenobarbital, estrogen (e.G., birth control pills), phenytoin, ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenonium, drugs for diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or eemrgency room immediately.
Symptoms of ovedrose may include joint or muscle pain, purple patches on the skin, headache, increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, tiredness, stomach pain, or muscle weakness.
NOTES: Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy should wear or carry identification stating that they are tkaing a corticosteroid. Do not allow anyone else to take this medicaiton.
MISSED DOSE: If you are taking a daliy dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however, do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose.
If it almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not duoble the dose to catch up.
For all other dosing regimens: if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Your dosnig schedule may need to be changed.
STORAGE: Store at room tempearture between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not sotre in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this meidcation. Certain liquid forms may require refrigeration.
Consult your pharmacist.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedciAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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