PREDNISONE AND COLITIS

To continue from yesterdays post... There are many drugs used to control colitis.    There are steroids, 5-aminosalicylates, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, calcineurin inhibitors, and a few others but these are the major ones.  Here I will describe these medications, how they are used, some side effects, and how they are supposed to help.  Today we will start with the most common steroid used - Prednisone. 


DISCLAIMER


  I am in no way a doctor or a physician and my blog is not intended to take the place of a medical professional's opinion.  Please seek the advice of your Dr. before trying any treatments or anything described herein.  


Steroids - Usually Prednisone and are usually prescribed in pill form and come in 5mg 10mg and 20mg tablets.


The following information is borrowed from http://www.drugs.com/prednisone.html.

Prednisone is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Prednisone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

Prednisone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about prednisone

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

Before taking prednisone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Your dosage needs may change if you have any 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 during treatment.

Prednisone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using prednisone. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Prednisone. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using Prednisone.

Before taking Prednisone

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

Prednisone 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 prednisone, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

To make sure you can safely take prednisone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 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 prednisone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Prednisone can pass into breast milk but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby however, do not use prednisone without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Prednisone 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.