Deltasone (Prednisone)

Generic name: Prednisone
Other brand names: Orasone

Deltasone, a steroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and severe cases of asthma.  It may be given to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (lack of sufficient adrenal hormone in the body). 

Why is this drug prescribed:
Deltasone is used in treating all of the following:

Abnormal adrenal gland development
Allergic conditions (severe)
Blood Disorders
Certain cancers (along with other drugs)
Diseases of the connective tissue including systemic lupus erythematosus
Eye diseases of various kinds
Flare-ups of multiple sclerosis
Fluid retention due to "nephrotic syndrome" (a condition in which damage to the kidneys causes protein to be lost in the urine)
Lung diseases, including tuberculosis
Meningitis (inflamed membranes around the brain)
Prevention of organ rejection
Rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders
Severe flare-ups of ulcerative colitis or enteritis (inflammation of the intestines)
Skin diseases
Thyroid gland inflammation
Trichinosis (with complications)

What side effects may occur:
Deltasone may cause euphoria, insomnia, mood changes, personality changes, psychotic behavior, or severe depression.  It may worsen any existing emotional instability.

At a high dose, Deltasone may cause fluid retention and high blood pressure.  If this happens, you may need a low-salt diet and a potassium supplement.

With prolonged Deltasone treatment, eye problems may develop (e.g. a viral or fungal eye infection, cataracts, or glaucoma).

If you take Deltasone over the long term, the buildup of adrenal hormones in your body may cause a condition called Cushing's syndrome, marked by weight gain, a "moon-faced" appearance, thin, fragile skin, muscle weakness, brittle bones, and purplish stripe marks on the skin.  Women are more vulnerable to this problem than men.  Alternate-day therapy may help prevent its development.

Other potential side effects from Deltasone include:
Bone fractures, bruising, bulging eyes, congestive heart failure, convulsions, distended abdomen, face redness, glaucoma, headache, hives and other allergic-type reactions, increased pressure inside eyes or skull, inflamed esophagus or pancreas, irregular menstrual periods, muscle weakness or disease, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, poor healing of wounds, stunted growth (in children), sweating, thin, fragile skin, vertigo

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