Prednisone Frequently Asked Questions

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Amber J. Tresca
Amber J. Tresca
Amber J. Tresca
Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.
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Updated on January 22, 2022
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Prednisone is a type of drug known as a corticosteroid. It closely resembles a substance that is made by the human adrenal glands. Steroids that are made by the human body work to reduce inflammation and to regulate the intake of salt. The body produces more steroids when it is stressed, such as during an illness. This is why they are sometimes referred to as "stress hormones."

Prednisone is prescribed to treat many different types of inflammatory conditions, everything from skin rashes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prednisone may be given for only a short time, such as over a few days to much longer periods. Some people who take prednisone for chronic conditions have trouble stopping the drug because the symptoms return every time the dose is lowered. This is called steroid-dependent, and most healthcare providers agree it's not an optimal form of treatment. In most cases, getting the condition under control and stopping the prednisone as soon as possible is the ultimate goal.

Hispanic woman reading medication

Getty Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc

What Are the Side Effects of Prednisone?

Side effects of prednisone that can prove troublesome include increased appetite, weight gain, acne, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping.

The more serious side effects of prednisone include cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis, and bone damage in the hips These side effects are permanent and occur only after long-term use. If you have concerns about these side effects, you should speak to your practitioner regarding these risks.

How Is Prednisone Taken?

Prednisone should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. A practitioner will tailor the dosage to the needs of each individual patient. In order for prednisone to have the desired effect on the body, it must be taken at certain regular intervals. DO NOT stop taking prednisone suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider.

Prednisone is a drug that must be tapered down slowly over a number of days, and in some cases, even over weeks or months. The length of time it takes to stop the prednisone will be dependent upon how long it was taken in the first place: if it's only taken for a few days or weeks, a taper might not be needed.

In order to prevent the stomach upset that sometimes occurs with prednisone, it can be taken with a meal or a snack.

Why Is Prednisone Prescribed?

Prednisone may be prescribed for many conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

What Do You Do If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose of prednisone should be taken soon, just take that dose. Don't double up, or take more than one dose at a time.

Who Should Not Take Prednisone?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the following conditions:

What Medications Can Prednisone Interact With?

Prednisone may interact with the following medications:

  • Anticoagulants
  • Barbiturates
  • Cholestyramine (Questran)
  • Chronic high dose aspirin
  • Ephedrine (found in cold medications)
  • Ketoconazole
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Troleandomycin

Is Prednisone Safe During Pregnancy?

The FDA has classified prednisone as a type C drug. This means that it is not known what effect pregnancy will have on an unborn baby. Notify the prescribing healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking prednisone. Prednisone does pass into breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

How Long Can Prednisone Be Taken Safely?

In most cases, it is advisable to taper off prednisone as soon as symptoms subside.

10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. MedlinePlus. Prednisone.

  2. University of Michigan Health. prednisone.

  3. Liu, D., Ahmet, A., Ward, L. et al. A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy. All Asth Clin Immun 9, 30 (2013). doi. 10.1186/1710-1492-9-30

  4. John Hopkins Vasculitis Center. Prednisone.

  5. Hospital for Special Surgery. Steriod Side Effects: How to Reduce Drug Side Effects of Corticosteriods.

  6. Massachusett's General Hospital. Steriods to Treat IBD.

  7. Hox, V., Lourijsen, E., Jordens, A. et al. Benefits and harm of systemic steroids for short- and long-term use in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis: an EAACI position paper. Clin Transl Allergy 10, 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-019-0303-6. doi. 10.1186/s13601-019-0303-6

  8. Stacy, J.M., Greenmyer, J.R., Beal, J.R. et al. The efficacy of low dose short-term prednisone therapy for remission induction in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients. Adv Rheumatol 61, 50 (2021). doi.10.1186/s42358-021-00205-4

  9. MedlinePlus. Prednisone.

  10. Accessdata.fda.gov. Omnipred™ (prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension). 

By Amber J. Tresca
Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.

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