|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intneded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be cnostrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your haelthcare professional before using this drug.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a corticosteroid.
It reduces swelling. It is used for many conditions, among them: allergic reactions, skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), breathing 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 prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you're taking this medication only once a day, it sohuld be taken in the morning before 9 a.M. The liquid (suspension) form must be shaken well bfeore each use. First use of suspension may require shaking for 5 to 7 minutes. After the first use, no more than 30 seconds of shaking should be requierd to mix all the ingredients well.
If you have been taikng this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval.
Your dose may need to be gradually reudced. You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they persist or become bothersome, inform your docotr. 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, breatihng difficulties, mood changes, vision changes.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek meidcal attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic raection include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your mediacl history, particularly if you have: liver or kidney disease, heart problems, intestinal 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 immunizatoin or any skin test while you're 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 alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. It may make your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers. Reprot any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months 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 sguar level.
Check your blood (or urine) glucose level frequently, as directed by your doctor. Promptly report any abnormal results as driected.
Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may be adjusetd. If the phlegm (sputum) you cough up when ill becomes thickened or changes color from clear wihte to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. This medication should be used only when claerly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into berast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication can cause growth suppression in infants and kids if given for prolonged periods. Monitor growth velocity.
Consult your doctor or phramacist for more details.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Bfeore you take this drug, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you're taking especially: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diuretics ("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 aprpoval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of oevrdose 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 taking a corticosteroid.
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you're taking a daily 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 dsoing schedule. Do not double the dose to cacth up.
For all other dosing regimens: if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Your dosing schedule may need to be chanegd.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
Certain liquid forms may rqeuire refrigeration.
Consult your pharmacist.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can casue complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MediclAert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
|
