Prednisolone (Injection)

Introduction

Prednisolone (pred-NIS-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, certain types of arthritis, and many other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s)

Cotolone

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Medicine that is mixed in an IV bag should be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it.
• Throw away any unused prednisolone after the expiration date has passed.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking insulin, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifampin, blood thinners (Coumadin®), estrogen, or diuretics (water pills).
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots). Vaccines may not work as well while you are getting this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using prednisolone, let your doctor know if you have liver or thyroid problems, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, or an eye infection caused by herpes simplex.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving prednisolone. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick.
• If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are taking prednisolone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Black or tarry stools
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Unexplained fever, sore throat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fluid retention, weight gain
• Restlessness, anxiety, mood changes
• Sweating
• Redness of the face
• Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin
• Thinning skin, acne
• Increased hair growth
• Irregular menstrual periods

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or chest.
• This medicine may be given into the buttocks, upper arm, thigh, or other large muscle. This is called an IM, or intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar) injection.
• This medicine may be given into a joint such as a knee or shoulder. This is called an intraarticular (in-tra-are-TIC-you-lar) injection.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.