Deltasone

Deltasone is a corticosteroid used for the treatment of a number of different conditions, such as: 

• inflammation
• severe allergies
• adrenal problems
• arthritis
• asthma
• blood or bone marrow problems
• endocrine problems
• eye or vision problems
• stomach or bowel problems
• lupus
• skin conditions
• kidney problems
• ulcerative colitis
• flare-ups of multiple sclerosis

This drug works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Deltasone, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. 

Studies in children have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of prednisone. Only the recommended dose of this drug should be taken to prevent any chance of slow growth and bone problems if this drug must be used for a prolonged period of time. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of prednisone. 

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems. Risks to the fetus have been reported but these may be outweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease. This drug poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drug such as:

• Aldesleukin
• Apixaban
• Asparaginase
• Bosutinib
• Bupropion
• Ceritinib
• Clozapine
• Dabrafenib
• Donepezil
• Eliglustat
• Idelalisib
• Lopinavir
• Nifedipine
• Nilotinib
• Olaparib
• Palbociclib
• Piperaquine
• Pixantrone
• Ritonavir
• Tacrolimus
• Telaprevir
• Alcuronium
• Alfalfa
• Amobarbital
• Aprobarbital
• Aspirin
• Atracurium
• Balofloxacin
• Besifloxacin
• Butabarbital
• Butalbital
• Ciprofloxacin
• Clarithromycin
• Enoxacin
• Fleroxacin
• Fluconazole
• Flumequine
• Fosphenytoin
• Gallamine
• Gatifloxacin
• Gemifloxacin
• Hexafluorenium
• Ketoconazole
• Levofloxacin
• Licorice
• Lomefloxacin
• Mephobarbital
• Metocurine
• Montelukast
• Moxifloxacin
• Nadifloxacin
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Ospemifene
• Pancuronium
• Pazufloxacin
• Pefloxacin
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Prulifloxacin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• Rufloxacin
• Saiboku-To
• Secobarbital
• Sparfloxacin
• Tosufloxacin
• Vecuronium
• Warfarin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

• Cataracts
• Congestive heart failure
• Cushing's syndrome
• Diabetes
• Eye infection
• Glaucoma
• Heart attack
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypertension
• Infection
• Mood changes
• Myasthenia gravis
• Osteoporosis
• Peptic ulcer
• Personality changes
• Stomach or intestinal problems
• Thyroid problems
• Tuberculosis
• Fungal infections
• Herpes simplex eye infection
• Kidney disease

To use Deltasone properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug must be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. The delayed-release tablet must be swallowed whole. 

Crushing, breaking, or chewing it is not recommended. The oral liquid must be measured with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or drug cup. Check with your healthcare professional before you suddenly stop using this drug. Your dose may be slowly tapered before completely stopping it. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. 

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults are initially given 5 to 60 milligrams per day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. 

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. 

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Deltasone, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood or urine tests.

This drug has teratogenic potential and it is recommended to use an effective form of birth control to prevent any chance of pregnancy. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you think you have become pregnant while using this drug. 

Notify your healthcare professional about any extra healthcare stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress while on prolonged use of this drug. Your dose of this drug will be altered for a brief period during times of additional stress. Increased doses and prolonged use of this drug may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. 

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this drug: blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

It is recommended practice proper hygiene and to prevent any form contact with people who are sick or have infections since this drug may increase your chance of acquiring infections. 

Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. Call your healthcare professional immediately if you start to have a fever, chills, sore throat, or any other sign of an infection. Check with your healthcare professional immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. 

You may be referred to an ophthalmologist to have your eyes checked. Immunizations should be avoided, and can only be received with your healthcare professional's approval while you are being treated with prednisone. Prednisone may lower your body's resistance and the vaccine may not work as well or you might get the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent. 

Avoid any form of contact with other persons living in your household who received live virus vaccines to prevent any form of viral infection. Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have depression, mood swings, a false or unusual sense of well-being, trouble with sleeping, or personality changes while taking this drug. 

Prolonged use of this drug has been associated to thinning of the bones or slow growth in children. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any bone pain or if you have an increased risk for osteoporosis. Notify your healthcare professional if you think your child is not growing properly if he/she is taking this drug. 

Make sure any health care professional or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this drug. The results of certain skin tests may be affected by this drug. Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Deltasone. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• aggression
• agitation
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• the decrease in the amount of urine
• dizziness
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• irritability
• mental depression
• mood changes
• nervousness
• noisy, rattling breathing
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• pounding in the ears
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• trouble thinking, speaking or walking
• troubled breathing at rest
• weight gain
• abdominal or stomach cramping or burning
• abdominal or stomach pain
• backache
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• a cough or hoarseness
• darkening of the skin
• the decrease in height
• decreased vision
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• eye pain
• eye tearing
• facial hair growth in females
• fainting
• fever or chills
• flushed, dry skin
• fractures
• fruit-like breath odor
• full or round face, neck, or trunk
• heartburn or indigestion
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• loss of sexual desire or ability
• lower back or side pain
• menstrual irregularities
• muscle pain or tenderness
• muscle wasting or weakness
• nausea
• pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• skin rash
• sleeplessness
• sweating
• trouble healing
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vision changes
• vomiting, or vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.