Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
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: bleeding problems, history of blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), diabetes, certain eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, herpes infection, glaucoma), kidney disease, current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, threadworm), severe liver disease (cirrhosis), certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, depression), seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), untreated mineral problems (e.g., low potassium or calcium).
This medication may make you dizzy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness, such as driving or using machinery.
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/cough/fever, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur while taking this medication or within 12 months after stopping it.
If you have been on this medication for a long time, your body may not be able to make enough natural steroids while you are under stress due to infection, surgery or 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 severe stress. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness.
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 while you are using this drug 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 a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst and urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent bone loss.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children. It may slow down a child's growth rate if given for long periods. 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 an unborn baby when corticosteroids are used during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. 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. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.