Prednisolone (Cortan)

Do NOT use Prednisolone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Prednisolone
• you have a systemic fungal infection, a certain type of malaria, inflammation of the optic nerve, or herpes infection of the eye
• you are scheduled to have a live or attenuated live vaccination (eg, smallpox)
• you are taking mifepristone.

Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Prednisolone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, fluid retention (eg, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet), or any mental or mood problems
• if you have or have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; or shingles
• if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB) infection, or if you have had ever had a positive TB skin test
• if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, or infection; unexplained diarrhea; diverticulitis; ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus
• if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
• if you have had a recent vaccination (eg, smallpox).

Some medicines may interact with Prednisolone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Clarithromycin, cyclosporine, estrogens (eg, estradiol), oral contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Prednisolone's side effects
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, ephedrine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Prednisolone's effectiveness
• Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine), aspirin, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), methotrexate, mifepristone, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), ritodrine, or live or attenuated live vaccines because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Prednisolone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or killed or inactivated vaccines because their effectiveness may be decreased by Prednisolone.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prednisolone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Avoid alcohol while you are using Prednisolone.
• Prednisolone may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• If you are taking Prednisolone regularly over a long period of time, carry an ID card at all times that says you take Prednisolone.
• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps, smallpox) while you are taking Prednisolone. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Prednisolone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Prednisolone may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including adrenal function tests, may be performed while you use Prednisolone. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Caution is advised when using Prednisolone in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Prednisolone.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Prednisolone while you are pregnant. Prednisolone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Prednisolone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

If you are on long-term or high dosage therapy and you suddenly stop taking Prednisolone, you may have withdrawal symptoms, including fever, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, weight loss, weakness, general body discomfort, joint or muscle pain.