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POSSIBLE
SIDE EFFECTS
These
include changes in appearance (such as acne or increased
facial hair); development of a round or moon-shaped
face; thin, fragile skin that bruises easily; or
movement of body fat to the trunk. You might also
experience mood changes, personality changes, irritability,
agitation, or depression.
Other
possible side effects include increased appetite
and weight gain, poor wound healing, headache, glaucoma,
irregular menstrual periods, peptic ulcer, muscle
weakness, osteoporosis, steroid-induced diabetes,
and osteonecrosis (damage to the hip joint that
leads to severe arthritis).
PRECAUTIONS
Because
corticosteroids cross the placenta, they are used
cautiously during pregnancy. The drugs appear in
breast milk, so if you are taking large doses, you
should not breastfeed.
Avoid
exposure to infections. Stay away from crowds and
people known to have colds, the flu, or other infections.
Schedule
regular vision checkups and report any problems
with your vision to your doctor or nurse.
Talk
with a registered dietitian to find out how to prevent
excess weight gain and minimize certain drug effects
on the body.
Do
not take this drug with other drugs, including over-the-counter
medications, without first checking with your nurse
or doctor. Over-the-counter that you can get without
a doctor s prescription.
Tell
any nurse, doctor, or dentist who is taking care
of you that you are taking corticosteroids for your
lupus.
WARNINGS!
Do
not take this drug if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to it.
Carry
medical identification and wear a bracelet to alert
medical personnel that you take a corticosteroid.
NEVER MISS A DOSE. Take this drug exactly
as ordered.
IF YOU DO MISS A DOSE, call your nurse or
doctor immediately to find out when you should take
the missed dose.
NEVER STOP THE MEDICATION SUDDENLY. Your
adrenal glands, which are located just above your
kidneys, normally make corticosteroids in small
amounts. These corticosteroids are important for
many body functions. When you take corticosteroid
medication, your body begins to make much less than
usual, or even stops completely. If you suddenly
stop taking your medication, you may have a problem
because your adrenal glands won t have had time
to make the corticosteroids you need. This problem
is called adrenal insufficiency.
Signs
of adrenal insufficiency include weakness, fatigue,
fever, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal
pain. If you experience any of these problems, call
your nurse or doctor immediately.
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