SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual period changes (e.g., delayed/irregular/absent periods), trouble sleeping, increased sweating, acne, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, tingling/numbness in the extremities, easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bone/joint pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, unusual weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, puffy face, unusual hair growth, difficult breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, thinning skin, slow wound healing, increased thirst/urination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, frequent/painful urination, eye pain/discharge), vision changes, seizures, back pain, unusual skin growths.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking prednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to a certain yellow dye (tartrazine) that may be found in your brand; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin because some people who are allergic to aspirin are also allergic to tartrazine.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: untreated active fungal infections.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes of the eye), certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), brittle bones (osteoporosis), current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test), other herpes infections (e.g., mouth/genital), HIV, inactive infections (e.g., Ameba, Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus), bleeding problems, history of blood clots, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low salts in the blood (e.g., low potassium or calcium).
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur during treatment.
If you have been taking this medication for a long time, your body may not make enough natural hormones while you are under physical stress (e.g., due to infection, surgery, injury). Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you have stopped taking this drug within the past 12 months, you may need to start taking it again if your body is under physical stress. Consult your doctor for more details.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have taken it within the last 12 months.
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication. If you are exposed to these infections, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this medication to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
Caution is advised when using this drug for a long time in children. This medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth rate. Monitor your child's height and growth rate regularly. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.