 Show Prednisone (Deltasone) is part of a potent class of anti-inflammatory agents, known as corticosteroids, which are used to control inflammation of the joints and organs. It is often used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including redness, swelling, and pain. Prednisone is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and many other inflammatory diseases. Dosing of prednisone varies
widely depending on the state of the disease being treated. Doses used in rheumatoid arthritis are commonly 5-10mg daily, while doses needed in lupus and vasculitis are often 60–80 mg daily, or sometimes higher. The dose is usually decided based on your weight and disease manifestations. Prednisone usually achieves its effect within one – two hours. The delayed release tablets take effect about six hours after taking the dose. Prednisone stops working soon after stopping the
medication. If you have been taking prednisone regularly for longer than two weeks, do not stop it suddenly because you could develop adrenal insufficiency. Instead, you should discuss a tapering schedule with your rheumatology provider. Most side effects are related to the dose administered and duration of treatment, so the goal is to use it at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time necessary. Some potential side
effects include easy bruising, osteoporosis (or weakened bones), diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, cataracts, glaucoma, and a bone disorder called avascular necrosis. Although prednisone rarely has a direct interaction with other medications, there is an increased risk of infection when combining prednisone with other medications that affect your immune system. At
higher doses of prednisone, your provider may also prescribe you prophylactic medications to prevent pneumonia. Additionally, when taking prednisone with NSAIDs (such as naproxen or ibuprofen), there can be an increased risk of stomach ulcers. Make sure to review all of your medications with your physician at each visit.
Your doctor will monitor you for side effects. Be sure to discuss any new symptoms you are experiencing with your rheumatology provider. Talk to your rheumatology provider about which vaccines are appropriate for you, as it depends on your dose of prednisone. If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy, discuss this with your doctor before starting medication. Although prednisone can be necessary to use during pregnancy, complications can still birth, and premature delivery. Babies born from women receiving large doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy can develop under active adrenal glands and also can be smaller than expected at birth. Babies can develop cleft lip and cleft palate as well. Although some of the drug passes into breast milk, prednisone appears to be safe while breastfeeding. After a dose >20 mg of prednisone, a 4-hour delay in breastfeeding is recommended. Updated February 2022 by Kanika Monga, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee. This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition. Methotrexate is one of the most effective medications to treat
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's the first drug most doctors prescribe after you’re diagnosed. It will help ease symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, redness, and
swelling. It may also help prevent damage to your organs and joints. Methotrexate interrupts the process that causes RA inflammation, which damages your joints and organs over time. Your doctor may call it a “DMARD,” which is a type of RA drug. (DMARD stands for disease-modifying antirheumatic drug). You can take methotrexate in either pills or shots. There are prefilled methotrexate shots that are easy to take at home. You will take 7.5 to 10 milligrams each week. Your doctor may raise that to 20-25 milligrams per week if needed. The pills will come with directions about how many to take and when. If you’re not sure about those instructions, ask your doctor or a pharmacist. Shots
work better for some people, especially if you forget to take your pills on schedule or if the pills cause nausea. Methotrexate liquid comes in vials with a hypodermic needle or in prefilled pens with various doses. You inject the drug under the
skin on your stomach or thigh. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to do this at home. If you use a prefilled pen, you’ll stick the pen into your
stomach or thigh and press on it to inject the drug. Try to give yourself your shot in a different spot each time. This will help you avoid skin reactions. It can take 3 to 6 weeks to start to feel your methotrexate work. It takes even longer -- 12 weeks -- to get the full effects. Your doctor will test your
blood often to check on how well your treatment works and to make sure it’s safe for organs such as your liver. Your doctor may prescribe methotrexate
alone. Or you may also take other drugs like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, low-dose steroids, or other DMARDs. You’ll probably take
folic acid supplements along with methotrexate. This vitamin can help you lower your chance of certain side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any drug or supplement. Not all drugs mix well. Taking biologics is not recommended while taking methotrexate. What Are the Side Effects?You may notice these side effects while you take methotrexate:
Tell your doctor if you have them. They can adjust your dose so you feel better. Minor side effects should lessen over time. Methotrexate and Your LiverThis drug can harm your liver. You’ll visit the doctor regularly to check on how methotrexate affects your body. Your doctor might test your liver as often as once a month for the first 6 months you take the drug. After that, you may get a liver test every 3 months. Methotrexate and InfectionsYou’re more likely to get an infection while you take methotrexate. So take these steps to stay well:
Other ConcernsMethotrexate can also:
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