Prednisolone (Injection)

Prednisolone (pred-NISS-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, certain types of arthritis, and many other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s):

Cotolone, Pred-Ject-50, Predacort 50
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to prednisolone. You should not use prednisolone if you have a fungal infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or chest.
• This medicine may be given into the buttocks, upper arm, thigh, or other large muscle. This is called an IM, or intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar) injection.
• This medicine may be given into a joint such as a knee or shoulder. This is called an intraarticular (in-tra-are-TIC-you-lar) injection.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Medicine that is mixed in an IV bag should be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it.
• Throw away any unused prednisolone after the expiration date has passed.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking insulin, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifampin, blood thinners (Coumadin®), estrogen, or diuretics (water pills).
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots). Vaccines may not work as well while you are getting this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using prednisolone, let your doctor know if you have liver or thyroid problems, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, or an eye infection caused by herpes simplex.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving prednisolone. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick.
• If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are taking prednisolone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Black or tarry stools
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Unexplained fever, sore throat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fluid retention, weight gain
• Restlessness, anxiety, mood changes
• Sweating
• Redness of the face
• Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin
• Thinning skin, acne
• Increased hair growth
• Irregular menstrual periods

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.