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Oral Corticosteroid

Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

The adrenal glands which lie just above the kidney produce steroid hormones. Corticosteroids are medications which act in the same way as steroid hormones. Certain corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are used to replace the body’s production when the adrenal glands are not working normally.

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone can also be used to reduce inflammation (signs include warmth, redness, swelling and pain) or calm an overactive immune system. Therefore, steroids can help to reduce swelling, redness, itchiness and allergic reactions. They are used in different conditions such as severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis (joint inflammation) and autoimmune diseases (where the immune system attacks the body).

How should I take or use this medication?

Your doctor will tell you how much and how often to take the medication. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for you.
You need to take it as instructed to get the best benefit. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or more often than directed as this may increase the risk of having side effects.
Do not stop this medication unless instructed by the doctor as there may be a need to slowly reduce the dose before stopping the medication completely.
Take corticosteroids with or after food to prevent stomach upset.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as you normally would. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double or increase the dose to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You are pregnant, intending to get pregnant or are breastfeeding
You have diabetes
You have high blood pressure
You have epilepsy (fits), kidney, liver, thyroid or heart problems
You have osteoporosis, a condition where you have brittle or weak bones
You have severe depression (feeling extremely sad, having low mood)
You, or anyone in your family, have glaucoma (abnormally high pressure in the eye)
You have stomach ulcers
You have any visual disturbances (abnormal changes in vision)
You have tuberculosis (a type of lung infection) or other infections
You have been taking corticosteroids for a long period of time and

intend to have any vaccination (an injection that protects you from future infections)
are going to undergo any surgery, skin tests
have a serious infection or injury

You should take note of the following:

Keep to your regular appointments so that your doctor can check on your response and adjust your medication accordingly.
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
If you are taking corticosteroids to replace your body’s steroid level, inform your doctor if you are sick. You may need extra oral corticosteroids on these days.
You may get infections more easily while being treated with corticosteroids. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick. Avoid close contact with people who have chicken pox, shingles or measles. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, sore throat or other signs of infection.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting
Being unable to sleep or feeling restless
Do not take this medication at night unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Try to take it earlier in the day or afternoon.
Water retention (excess fluid build up in the body), increase in weight
Muscle weakness or cramps (if you have been using the medication for a long period of time)
Getting bruised more easily

Inform your doctor if any side effect lasts for more than a few days, or the side effects become serious or bothersome.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but serious side effects that may occur include:

Signs of infection like fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or wounds that will not heal
Signs of high blood sugar, like confusion, feeling tired, feeling thirsty more easily, feeling hungry more easily, passing urine more often, flushing or fast breathing
Severe abdominal or stomach pains
Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of skin colour, or pain in a leg or arm
Change in eyesight or vision
Bone pain or fractures
Having a full or very round face
Mood changes such as feeling depressed, anxious, frequently changing emotions
Unusual bruising or bleeding, including black tarry or bloody stools or vomiting
Severe nausea and vomiting, or unale to take the medication by mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking alcohol with corticosteroids as this combination can cause stomach problems.

Please inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications, before you start taking any corticosteroids:

Aspirin
Certain medications for pain such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen
Oral medications to treat fungal infection
Medications to thin your blood such as warfarin
Oral hormone pills
Medications used to reduce the activity of your body’s immune system such as Cyclosporin or Tacrolimus

Inform your doctor if you are on any other medications. This includes prescription medications or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, Chinese supplements and herbal products.

If your doctor has advised you to take a low salt diet, follow the dietary instructions strictly. This helps to prevent excessive water retention.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Nov 2022

This article was last reviewed on Thursday, June 22, 2023