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Prednisone is a synthetic cortisone derivative that is used in hormonal drugs. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Check what you need to know before starting prednisone-containing preparations.
Prednisone – action
Prednisone is a corticosteroid hormone, which is a chemical responsible for raising the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells in the body.
Prednisone thus supports the process of carrying oxygen to the cells in the body. As a result, it was often used by athletes, but now it has been included in the list of prohibited doping agents (it increases pain resistance, body efficiency and neuronal excitability).
Prednisone is the active ingredient of hormonal drugs. It is characterized by a strong anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immunosuppressive effect.
In addition, it contributes to the reduction of symptoms, but does not affect their cause. It works by inhibiting or stimulating the expression of genes whose protein products play an important role in inflammatory and immune processes.
The use of Prednisone contributes to:
- inhibiting the production of steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex,
- if used for a long time, it may cause adrenal cortex atrophy,
- supporting the metabolism of carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin D, proteins and lipids,
- increase in blood glucose levels,
- increasing insulin resistance,
- reducing bone mineral density,
- eliminating muscle atrophy,
- supporting lipid metabolism,
- water retention in the body.
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Prednisone – indications
The substance should be administered to people who suffer from:
- endocrine diseases including primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, tumor-related hypercalcemia, non-pyrogenic thyroiditis;
- severe allergic diseases resistant to other treatments, e.g. contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (AD), serum sickness, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis;
- collagenosis, i.e. acute rheumatic myocarditis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus;
- diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: exfoliative dermatitis, dermatitis herpetic dermatitis, severe seborrheic dermatitis, severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, severe psoriasis;
- gastrointestinal diseases during exacerbation periods: ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease;
- diseases of the hematopoietic system: acquired haemolytic anemia (autoimmune), congenital aplastic anemia, anemia due to selective red cell hypoplasia, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Werlhof’s disease) in adults;
- cancer: leukemia and lymphomas in adults, acute leukemia in children.
Prednisone – contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of the drug is hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the components. Additionally, it should not be used when the patient suffers from fungal infections. The drug can pass into the fetus and in the food of poppies, therefore pregnant and lactating women should also not take Prednisone.
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