Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pediapred (Prednisolone).
Blood pressure: Like other corticosteroids, Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate can cause fluid retention, leading to an increase in blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to push the increased volume through the blood vessels.
If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Pediapred (Prednisolone).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye problems: Corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate may cause the pressure in the eyes to increase, or cause Glaucoma to worsen. It may also cause Cataracts. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report changes in your vision to your doctor as soon as possible.
Hormone balance: When taken for a long period of time (more than 2 weeks), corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate cause a decrease in the amount of corticosteroid hormone that the body naturally produces. This can cause a number of side effects that are associated with long-term use of corticosteroids, including filling or rounding out of the face; weight gain; fluid retention; and swelling of the legs, feet, and hands.
The decrease in corticosteroid production is also the cause of the withdrawal symptoms that occur when Pediapred (Prednisolone) is stopped abruptly. If you have been taking Pediapred (Prednisolone) for a long period of time, do not stop taking the medication suddenly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop Pediapred (Prednisolone).
Infections: Corticosteroids can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that are developing. Tell your doctor if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles while using Pediapred (Prednisolone), as these illnesses can be more serious and possible fatal for people who are using corticosteroids. If you experience signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney function: The kidneys help to remove Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate from the body. When kidney function is decreased, there is an increased risk of experiencing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: When the liver is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Mood changes and mental health: People taking corticosteroids, including Pediapred (Prednisolone), may experience mood swings or personality changes. In severe cases, depression may occur, as may psychosis. People who have mental health concerns are more likely to experience worsening symptoms when they use corticosteroids. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually overexcited or uninhibited), or unusual thoughts, or notice them in a family member who is taking Pediapred (Prednisolone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Osteoporosis: Pediapred (Prednisolone) can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take Pediapred (Prednisolone) for a long period of time.
Stopping medication: Do not stop Pediapred (Prednisolone) without consulting your doctor. When Pediapred (Prednisolone) is stopped after having taken it for a prolonged period, the dose should be reduced slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Suddenly stopping Prednisone following prolonged treatment may result in symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, muscle and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Thyroid function: When the thyroid gland is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced thyroid function (Hypothyroidism), discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations given while Pediapred (Prednisolone) is being taken may not provide the anticipated protection from illness. This is due to the action corticosteroids have in reducing the activity of the immune system. Additionally, it is not clear whether vaccinations contribute to nervous system problems when they are given at the same time as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate.
Generally, it is not recommended to receive vaccinations while you are using corticosteroids. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Pregnancy: Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate passes through the placenta during pregnancy and may affect the unborn baby. Pediapred (Prednisolone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pediapred (Prednisolone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Pediapred (Prednisolone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Since Pediapred (Prednisolone) can slow the growth and development of infants and children, it should not be taken for prolonged periods of time if at all possible. Growth and development will be closely monitored by your child's doctor.
