✅ Uses & Indications
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Prednisone delayed-release tablets are indicated in the treatment of the following diseases or conditions: Prednisone delayed-release tablets are a corticosteroid indicated as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent for certain allergic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, ophthalmologic, nervous system, renal, respiratory, rheumatologic, specific infectious diseases or conditions and organ transplantation ( 1 ) for the treatment of certain endocrine conditions ( 1 ) for palliation of certain neoplastic conditions ( 1 ) 1.1 Allergic Conditions Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in adults and pediatric populations with: Atopic dermatitis Drug hypersensitivity reactions Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis Serum sickness 1.2 Dermatologic Diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis Contact dermatitis Exfoliative erythroderma Mycosis fungoides Pemphigus Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) 1.3 Endocrine Conditions Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Hypercalcemia of malignancy Nonsuppurative thyroiditis Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency: hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice: synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable 1.4 Gastrointestinal Diseases During acute episodes in: Crohn's Disease Ulcerative colitis 1.5 Hematologic Diseases Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia Diamond-Blackfan anemia Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults Pure red cell aplasia Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults 1.6 Neoplastic Conditions For the treatment of: Acute leukemia Aggressive lymphomas 1.7 Nervous System Conditions Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor, craniotomy or head injury 1.8 Ophthalmic Conditions Sympathetic ophthalmia Uveitis and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical steroids 1.9 Conditions Related to Organ Transplantation Acute or chronic solid organ rejection 1.10 Pulmonary Diseases Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Aspiration pneumonitis Asthma Fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate chemotherapy Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) associated with hypoxemia occurring in an HIV(+) individual who is also under treatment with appropriate anti-PCP antibiotics. Symptomatic sarcoidosis 1.11 Renal Conditions To induce a diuresis or remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus 1.12 Rheumatologic Conditions As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Acute gouty arthritis During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: Ankylosing spondylitis Dermatomyositis/polymyositis Polymyalgia rheumatica Psoriatic arthritis Relapsing polychondritis Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low dose maintenance therapy) Sjogren's syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus Vasculitis 1.13 Specific Infectious Diseases Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement. Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy.
📏 Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Individualize dosing based on disease severity and patient response. The timing of administration should take into account the delayed-release pharmacokinetics and the disease or condition being treated ( 2 , 12.1 ): Initial dose: Prednisone delayed-release tablets 5 mg administered once per day. Patients currently on immediate-release prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone should be switched to prednisone delayed-release tablets at an equivalent dose based on relative potency. ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) Maintenance dose: Use lowest dosage that will maintain an adequate clinical response. ( 2.1 ) Discontinuation: Withdraw gradually if discontinuing long-term or high-dose therapy. ( 2.1 ) Prednisone delayed-release tablets should be taken daily with food. ( 2.3 , 12.3 ) Prednisone delayed-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, divided, or chewed. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing Dosage of prednisone delayed-release tablets should be individualized according to the severity of the disease and the response of the patient. For pediatric patients, the recommended dosage should be governed by the same considerations rather than strict adherence to the ratio indicated by age or body weight. The maximal activity of the adrenal cortex is between 2 am and 8 am and is minimal between 4 pm and midnight. Exogenous corticosteroids suppress adrenocorticoid activity the least when given at the time of maximal activity. Prednisone delayed-release tablet is a delayed-release formulation of prednisone which releases the active substance beginning approximately 4 hours after intake [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The timing of prednisone delayed-release tablets administration should take into account the delayed-release pharmacokinetics and the disease or condition being treated. The initial dosage of prednisone delayed-release tablets may vary from 5 to 60 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. Patients currently on immediate release prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone should be switched to prednisone delayed-release tablets at an equivalent dose based on relative potency (2.4). In situations of less severity, lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, prednisone delayed-release tablets should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. It should be emphasized that dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. Included in the situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient's individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment. In this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of prednisone delayed-release tablets for a period of time consistent with the patient's condition. If a period of spontaneous remission occurs in a chronic condition, treatment should be discontinued. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly. 2.2 Recommended Monitoring Blood pressure, body weight, routine laboratory studies (including 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and serum potassium), and chest X-ray should be obtained at regular intervals during prolonged therapy with prednisone delayed-release tablets. Upper GI X-rays are desirable in patients with known or suspected peptic ulcer disease. 2.3 Method of Administration Prednisone delayed-release tablets are for oral administration. Prednisone delayed-release tablets should be taken daily with food. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] Prednisone delayed-release tablets should not be broken, divided, or chewed because the delayed release of prednisone is dependent on an intact coating [see Description (11)] . 2.4 Corticosteroid Comparison Chart For the purpose of comparison, one 5 mg prednisone delayed-release tablet is the equivalent milligram dosage of the following various corticosteroids: Betamethasone, 0.75 mg Paramethasone, 2 mg Cortisone, 25 mg Prednisolone, 5 mg Dexamethasone, 0.75 mg Prednisone, 5 mg Hydrocortisone, 20 mg Triamcinolone, 4 mg Methylprednisolone, 4 mg These dose relationships apply only to oral or intravenous administration of these compounds. When these substances or their derivatives are injected intramuscularly or into joint spaces, their relative properties may be greatly altered.
💊 Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse reactions for corticosteroids include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain. Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis, angioedema Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scalp, edema, facial erythema, hyper or hypopigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, petechiae and ecchymoses, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria Endocrine: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, development of Cushingoid state, hirsutism, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus and increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics, menstrual irregularities, moon facies, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness), suppression of growth in children Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances: Fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, hypokalemic alkalosis, sodium retention Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, elevation in serum liver enzymes levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, hiccups, malaise, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, ulcerative esophagitis General: Increased appetite and weight gain Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism Musculoskeletal: Osteonecrosis of femoral and humeral heads, charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures Neurological: Arachnoiditis, convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, meningitis, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paraparesis/paraplegia, paresthesia, personality changes, sensory disturbances, vertigo Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, and central serous chorioretinopathy Reproductive: Alteration in motility and number of spermatozoa Common adverse reactions for corticosteroids include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of prednisone delayed-release tablets was evaluated in 375 rheumatoid arthritis patients in two controlled trials. Patients treated with prednisone delayed-release tablets ranged in age from 20 to 80 years (median age 56 years), with 85% female, 99% Caucasian, 1% African-American, and < 1% Asian. Patients received prednisone delayed-release tablets 3 mg to 10 mg once daily at 10 pm; the majority (84%) received ≤ 5 mg. The clinical trial experience did not raise new safety concerns beyond those already established for immediate-release prednisone. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of prednisone delayed-release tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The postmarketing experience has not raised new safety concerns beyond those already established for immediate-release prednisone.
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia: Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use. Taper doses gradually for withdrawal after chronic use. ( 5.1 ) Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection: Increased susceptibility to new infection and increased risk of exacerbation, dissemination, or reactivation of latent infection. Signs and symptoms of infection may be masked. ( 5.2 ) Elevated blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia: Monitor blood pressure and sodium, potassium serum levels ( 5.3 ) GI perforation: increased risk in patients with certain GI disorders. Signs and symptoms may be masked. ( 5.4 ) Behavioral and mood disturbances: May include euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated. ( 5.5 ) Decreases in bone density: Monitor bone density in patients receiving long term corticosteroid therapy. ( 5.6 ) Ophthalmic effects: May include cataracts, infections, and glaucoma. Monitor intraocular pressure if corticosteroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks ( 5.7 ) Live or live attenuated vaccines: Do not administer to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. ( 5.8 ) Negative effects on growth and development: Monitor pediatric patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy. ( 5.9 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm with first trimester use. Advise patients of potential harm to the fetus. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Alterations in Endocrine Function Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia. Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use. Corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for corticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. If the patient is receiving corticosteroids already, dosage may have to be increased. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. Mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance in infancy. Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients. Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in dosage. 5.2 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can: Reduce resistance to new infections Exacerbate existing infections Increase the risk of disseminated infections Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections Mask some signs of infection Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages. Monitor for the development of infection and consider prednisone delayed-release tablets withdrawal or dosage reduction as needed. Tuberculosis If prednisone delayed-release tablets are used to treat a condition in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged prednisone delayed-release tablets therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis. Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune patients taking corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles: If a prednisone delayed-release tablets-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. If a prednisone delayed-release tablets-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated. Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid-treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection. Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with prednisone delayed-release tablets. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy. Fungal Infections Corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid prednisone delayed-release tablets use in the presence of such infections unless prednisone delayed-release tablets are needed to control drug reactions. For patients on chronic prednisone delayed-release tablets therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, prednisone delayed-release tablets withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended. Amebiasis Corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating prednisone delayed-release tablets in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea. Strongyloides Infestation Corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets, should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Cerebral Malaria Avoid corticosteroids, including prednisone delayed-release tablets, in patients with cerebral malaria. 5.3 Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function Corticosteroids can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt, and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium and calcium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. These agents should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, or renal insufficiency. Literature reports suggest an apparent association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with great caution in these patients. 5.4 Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Signs of GI perforation, such as peritoneal irritation may be masked in patients receiving corticosteroids. Corticosteroids should be used with caution if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infections; diverticulitis; fresh intestinal anastomoses; and active or latent peptic ulcer. 5.5 Behavioral and Mood Disturbances Corticosteroids use may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids. 5.6 Decrease in Bone Density Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption both through their effect on calcium regulation (i.e., decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function. This, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone secondary to an increase in protein catabolism, and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in children and adolescents and the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (i.e., postmenopausal women) before initiating corticosteroid therapy and bone density should be monitored in patients on long term corticosteroid therapy. 5.7 Ophthalmic Effects Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses. The use of oral corticosteroids is not recommended in the treatment of optic neuritis and may lead to an increase in the risk of new episodes. Intraocular pressure may become elevated in some individuals. If corticosteroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks, intraocular pressure should be monitored. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Corticosteroids should not be used in active ocular herpes simplex. 5.8 Vaccination Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines cannot be predicted. Immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for Addison's disease. While on corticosteroid therapy, patients should not be vaccinated against smallpox. Other immunization procedures should not be undertaken in patients who are on corticosteroids, especially on high dose, because of possible hazards of neurological complications and a lack of antibody response. 5.9 Effect on Growth and Development Long-term use of corticosteroids can have negative effects on growth and development in children. Growth and development of pediatric patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully monitored. 5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Prednisone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Human studies suggest a small but inconsistent increased risk of orofacial clefts with use of corticosteroids during the first trimester of pregnancy. Published animal studies show prednisolone to be teratogenic in rats, rabbits, hamsters, and mice with increased incidence of cleft palate in offspring. Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight have also been reported with corticosteroid use during pregnancy, however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while using this drug, advise the patient about the potential harm to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. 5.11 Neuromuscular Effects Although controlled clinical trials have shown corticosteroids to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, they do not show that they affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. The studies do show that relatively high doses of corticosteroids are necessary to demonstrate a significant effect. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids, most often occurring in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission (e.g., myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium). This acute myopathy is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in quadriparesis. Elevation of creatine kinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks to years. 5.12 Kaposi's Sarcoma Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
🔄 Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anticoagulant agents: May enhance or diminish anticoagulant effects. ( 7.4 ) Antidiabetic agents: May increase blood glucose concentrations. Dose adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required. ( 7.5 ) CYP 3A4 inducers and inhibitors: May, respectively, increase or decrease clearance of corticosteroids, necessitating dose adjustment. ( 7.7 , 7.8 ) Cyclosporine: Increase in activity of both, cyclosporine and corticosteroid when administered concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with concurrent use. ( 7.10 ) NSAIDs including aspirin and salicylates: Increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects. ( 7.13 ) 7.1 Aminoglutethimide Aminoglutethimide may lead to loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. 7.2 Amphotericin B Injection There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of Amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure [see Drug Interactions (7.14) ] . 7.3 Anticholinesterase Agents Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. 7.4 Anticoagulant Agents Co-administration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect. 7.5 Antidiabetic Agents Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required. 7.6 Antitubercular Drugs Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased. 7.7 CYP 3A4 Inducers (e.g., Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Rifampin) Drugs such as barbiturates, phenytoin, ephedrine, and rifampin, which induce hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activity may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased. 7.8 CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Macrolide Antibiotics) Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60% leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects. 7.9 Cholestyramine Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids. 7.10 Cyclosporine Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use. 7.11 Digitalis Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia. 7.12 Estrogens, Including Oral Contraceptives Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids, thereby increasing their effect. 7.13 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Including Aspirin and Salicylates Concomitant use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids; this could lead to decreased salicylate serum levels or increase the risk of salicylate toxicity when corticosteroid is withdrawn. 7.14 Potassium-Depleting Agents (e.g., Diuretics, Amphotericin B) When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents, patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. 7.15 Skin Tests Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests. 7.16 Toxoids and Live or Attenuated Vaccines Patients on corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. Routine administration of vaccines or toxoids should be deferred until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued if possible [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ].
🚫 Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Prednisone delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to prednisone or to any of the excipients. Rare instances of anaphylaxis have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy [ see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. Known hypersensitivity to prednisone or any excipients in the formulation ( 4 , 6 )
📦 Storage & Handling
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect prednisone delayed-release tablets from light and moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.