Patient Education / For nurses / Patient handout
Patient handout · Drug Classes & MechanismsTaking Prednisone: Your Daily Safety Guide
Prednisone and similar medicines are steroids. They calm swelling and an overactive immune system. They help many health problems, but they need careful use.
Take it the right way
- Take it in the morning with breakfast or milk.
- Take it every day as directed. Do not skip doses.
- Missed a dose? Ask your pharmacist. Never take 2 doses at once.
Never stop suddenly
- After about 3 weeks, your body makes less of its own steroid.
- Stopping suddenly is dangerous. Your provider lowers the dose slowly.
- Your taper plan: ____________.
- Refill early so you never run out.
Prevent infections
- Wash your hands often. Stay away from sick people.
- Call if you are near someone with chickenpox or measles.
- Ask your provider before any vaccine.
Watch your body
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as told.
- Eat less salt. Check your weight and blood pressure.
- Mood swings and poor sleep are common. Tell your provider.
- Take calcium and vitamin D if prescribed. Get your eyes checked.
- Do not take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) unless approved.
Carry a steroid card
- Carry a card or wear a medical alert ID. Tell every provider and dentist.
- Call if you are sick, hurt, or need surgery. Your dose often needs to go up.
Call your provider today if you have
- Fever, sore throat, cough, or burning when you urinate
- High blood sugar, or much more thirst and urine
- Swelling, fast weight gain, or big mood changes
- A wound that will not heal
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Severe weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- Vomiting, and you cannot keep your steroid down
- Confusion, or bad belly pain with vomiting
- Black, tarry stool or vomiting blood
This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.
For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →