Prednisone: Review of Special Precautions

Hello and welcome to "VideoScript", presented by Drugs.com.

Today in the second of three presentations, we continue reviewing prednisone, a commonly used medication in the class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

Prednisone decreases inflammation by reducing the formation and activity of natural substances, such as prostaglandins and kinins that lead to inflammation and pain.

However, the reduction in these substances may also weaken the immune system and lessen the ability to fight an infection. If a patient has an active infection, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, their doctor should be told before prednisone is prescribed.

Certain vaccines should not be given while a patient is taking prednisone. Patients scheduled to receive a vaccine should tell their health care provider if they are taking prednisone.

Patients receiving large doses of prednisone should avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar more closely as prednisone may cause high blood glucose.

Thank you for joining us at Drugs.com for a brief review of Prednisone. Please refer to our patient and professional information, drug interaction checker, and additional tools on Drugs.com.

Patients with a concern about the use of Prednisone should consult with their health care provider.

Visit drugs.com/prednisone for more information