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 Winpred (Prednisone).
Blood pressure: Like other corticosteroids, Winpred (Prednisone) can cause fluid retention, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Electrolytes and fluid: If you take large doses of Winpred (Prednisone), you may need to restrict your salt intake and take potassium supplements. Check with your doctor about whether you need any supplements while you are on Winpred (Prednisone). You may also retain extra fluid that may cause an increase in your blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor for these effects by checking your blood pressure and doing blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.
Eye problems: Prolonged use of Winpred (Prednisone) may cause Glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves or it may produce Cataracts. It may also increase the risk of Eye Infections due to fungi or viruses. Report any change in vision, eye pain, eye irritation, redness, or discharge to your doctor as soon as possible.
High blood sugar: Winpred (Prednisone) can cause high blood sugar. Your doctor may check your blood sugar levels with blood tests while you are taking Winpred (Prednisone). If you have Diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience increased thirst and urination while taking Winpred (Prednisone), contact your doctor.
Infections: Winpred (Prednisone) may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use. Contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms of an infection (e.g., fever, chills, cough, sore throat), or if you are in contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox.
Kidney problems: Winpred (Prednisone) may be used in the treatment of specific kidney problems. It may also cause increased fluid retention and electrolyte changes, affecting the kidney. If you have kidney problems or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Winpred (Prednisone) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical treatment: Inform all doctors that you go to that you are taking Winpred (Prednisone).
Mental health: Winpred (Prednisone), like other corticosteroids, may cause behaviour and personality changes and mood swings. These reactions are most likely to occur when you first start taking Winpred (Prednisone). If you experience these symptoms, or notice them in a family member who is taking Winpred (Prednisone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Osteoporosis: Winpred (Prednisone) 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 Winpred (Prednisone) for a long period of time.
Stomach and intestinal problems: If you have or have had a stomach or intestinal ulcer, or have ulcerative colitis, discuss with your doctor how Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping medication: Do not stop Winpred (Prednisone) without consulting your doctor. When Winpred (Prednisone) is stopped after having taken it for a prolonged period, the dose should be reduced slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Suddenly stopping Winpred (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 Winpred (Prednisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Winpred (Prednisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Unusual stress: If you experience any unusual physical stress (e.g., trauma, surgery), your doctor may increase your dose of Winpred (Prednisone) during and after the event.
Vaccination: If you are taking Winpred (Prednisone), vaccines may not be as effective and you may be more likely to experience certain side effects. Therefore, vaccines are usually not recommended while you are taking Winpred (Prednisone), especially when high doses are used.
Pregnancy: Winpred (Prednisone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Winpred (Prednisone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Winpred (Prednisone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Winpred (Prednisone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. If you take high doses of Winpred (Prednisone), your doctor may advise you not to breast-feed.
Children: Since Winpred (Prednisone) 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.
