Also Known As: Deltasone®, Orasone®
Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It is used primarily as an anti-inflammatory drug for a number of different diseases. When used in cancer treatment, prednisone kills leukemia and lymphoma cells.
How It Is Given:
Orally (by mouth), in tablets of varying strengths and in liquid form.
Early Side Effects: (beginning within one week):
- A burning sensation in the stomach; take prednisone with food, milk, or an antacid to reduce this effect
- Stomach upset or mild nausea and vomiting
- Changes in energy levels or mood
- Restlessness and difficulty falling asleep
Late Side Effects: (beginning after one week):
(These will gradually subside after the medication is discontinued)
- Swelling of the hands and feet and weight gain
- Acne of the face, neck, and upper chest may develop or worsen
- Rounding, redness, or both of the face
- Growth of facial hair
- Muscle weakness, especially in the shoulders and thighs
Possible Diet Changes:
- This drug will affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, let your doctor know. You may need to follow a diabetic or restricted concentrated sweets diet if your blood sugar becomes elevated or if you have a history of diabetes. The unit dietitian/nutritionist or the MSKCC outpatient dietitian/nutritionist (639-7312) can give you more information on these diets.
- Avoid alcohol since it may increase stomach irritation.
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or dietitian/nutritionist if you should:
-limit the amount of sodium in your diet to 2,000 mg (2 grams) a day to reduce fluid retention.
-eat at least two to four servings a day of potassium-rich foods such as oranges and other citrus fruits, orange juice, bananas, milk products, and tomatoes.
-eat three to four servings a day of foods rich in protein such as meat, poultry, fish, low-fat milk and milk products, eggs, beans, and legumes. Three ounces of cooked meat, fish, or poultry equals one serving.
Special Points:
- Do not stop taking prednisone suddenly without asking your doctor; it must be stopped gradually in patients who have taken the drug for some time.
- Ask your doctor or nurse if you should carry a medication identification card stating that you are using this medication.
- Your doctor may want you to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) sometime during treatment.
Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Have:
- Continual abdominal pain.
- Bloody or black stools.
- Irregular heart beats.
- Menstrual problems.
- Muscle cramps or pain in your back, hips, arms, shoulders, or legs.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Reddish purple lines on your arms, face, legs, or trunk.
- Swelling of your feet or lower legs.
- Thin shiny skin.
- Unusual bruising or wounds that do not heal.
- White patches in the mouth.
- Insomnia
