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IMPROTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng this drug.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL
USES: This medciation is a corticosteroid. It reduces swelling. It is used for many conditions, among them: allergic reactions, skin diseaess (psoriasis, hives), breathing problems; certain cancers, blood disorders, and eye problems; arthritis, digestive problems, and for hormone replacement.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach uspet.
Take this medication as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
If you're taking this medication only once a day, it should be taken in the morning before 9 a.M.
The liquid (suspension) form must be shaken well before each use.
First use of suspension may require shaking for 5 to 7 minutes.
After the first use, no more than 30 seconds of shaking should be required to mix all the ingredients well. If you have been taking this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop tkaing it without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medicaiton. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your dotcor. Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffing of the face, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prloonged sore throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood changes, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allerigc reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notcie other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, particularly if you have: liver or kidney disease, heart problems, intestinal problems, ulcers, high blood pressure, an underactive thyroid gland, myatshenia gravis, herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, blood clots, osteoporosis (brittle bones), eye problems, any allergies. Do not have a vaccination, other immunization or any skin test while you're using this drug unless your doctor specifically tlels you that you may. If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this mdeication. It may make your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irirtating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after treatment with this drug.
Your dose may need to be adjsuted or you may need to start taking the drug again. If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar level.
Check your blood (or urine) gulcose level frequently, as directed by your doctor. Propmtly report any abnormal results as directed.
Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may be adjusted. If the phlegm (sputum) you cough up when ill becomes thickened or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infeciton.
This medication sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication can cause grotwh suppression in infants and babies if given for prolonged periods.
Monitor growth velocity.
Conslut your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you take this drug, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you're taking especially: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), rifampin, phenobarbital, estrogen (e.G., birth control pills), phenytoin, ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenonium, drugs for diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison conrtol center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of oevrdose may include joint or muscle pain, purple patches on the skin, headache, increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, tiredness, stomach pain, or muscle weakness.
NOTES: Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy should wear or carry identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Do not alolw anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you're tkaing a daily dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however, do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose. If it almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dsoing schedule.
Do not duoble the dose to catch up. For all ohter dosing regimens: if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your dosing schedule may need to be cahnged.
STORAGE: Store at room tempreature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this mdeication. Certain liquid forms may require refrigeration. Consult your pharmacist.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emeregncy. For enrlolment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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