Prednisone - Prednisone and Leukemia

Prednisone

Prednisone
Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
OncoLink

Last Modified: April 13, 2006

Prednisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone that is made naturally in your body. Corticosteroids (sometimes abbreviated as “steroids”) are used to decrease inflammation, (swelling and/or redness) and thus are involved in the management of a number of diseases, including asthma, autoimmune disorders, reactions to medications, and gastrointestinal disorders (colitis), among others.
Facts about prednisone

* Prednisone is used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
* Prednisone is sometimes used as an appetite stimulant or to treat nausea and vomiting in patients who do not respond to other therapies. Prednisone should not be taken for long periods of time if possible, as this can lead to other problems. (see side effects below)
* Prednisone can be used to prevent reactions to medications or to the contrast dye used in radiology tests.
* Prednisone is used to treat diseases that result in inflammation, both acute and chronic, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

How to take prednisone

* Prednisone is taken in a pill form. The dose depends on what is being treated and the size of the patient.

How long should prednisone be taken?

This depends on the type of treatment you are receiving, as follows:

* In the treatment of cancer, prednisone is typically taken for 1-5 days.
* When taking prednisone to prevent an adverse allergic reaction, several doses may be taken for 12-48 hours before the medication or contrast dye is given.
* When treating autoimmune diseases, prednisone may be taken for many years.

Prednisone is typically taken once a day. It should be taken with meals because it can cause stomach irritation.
Possible side effects of prednisone

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of prednisone. Talk to your doctor or nurse about these recommendations and they can help you decide what will work best for you.
Increase in Appetite

Prednisone can cause people to be more hungry or thirsty than usual. Drink plenty of fluids and try to make your snacks healthy ones, since there may be quite a few of them!
Increase in energy

Prednisone can give people an increase in energy. They may also develop insomnia, or difficulty sleeping. Taking the medication in the morning may help to prevent this.
Irritability or change in mood

Some patients report feeling irritable or noticing a change in their mood.

If this becomes difficult to handle or if the patient expresses a desire to hurt himself, notify a physician right away.
Swelling

Patients may notice swelling in their hands and/or feet. Elevating the feet may help to lessen swelling in the feet and ankles. Avoid restrictive or tight clothing that may make it harder for the fluid to drain from the hands, feet, and ankles.
Nausea and heartburn

There are things you can do to help nausea and heartburn. Taking prednisone with food is generally enough to prevent nausea. Avoid things that worsen the symptoms, and try antacids (milk of magnesia and calcium tablets, like Tums), saltines, or ginger ale to lessen symptoms.
Increased blood sugar

Prednisone can increase your blood sugar. Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar closely and may require higher doses of insulin while taking prednisone.
Weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)

Long term use can lead to early osteoporosis. Your doctor may have you get a bone density scan (dexa scan) to assess your bone health if you are on long- term therapy.
Other side effects

Prednisone can cause delayed wound healing, headaches, muscle weakness, and cataracts (after long-term use)

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