Lymphoma Information Network

Site Navigation		Chemotherapy - Prednisone

Prednisone (sometimes called Deltasone or Orasone in tablet form) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma / Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It usually comes in pill form or as a syrup and is taken by mouth. It is more often than not used in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in a multidrug regimen. Prednisone is a corticosteroid.

Before taking this medicine: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including the drug rifampin, birth control pills, and medicines for seizures or sleep disorders. Inform your medical doctor of any other medical conditions or allergies or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Dosing: Ask your doctor for exact dose and instructions if you forget a dose. On overdose contact emergency help immediately (US: dial 911) or visit an emergency medical facility. If you notice withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medicine contact your medical center on tapering down the dose. Ask your medical team about their exact dosing procedures.

While taking this medicine: Do not stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor - stopping suddenly may cause serious side effects. Keep your doctors appointments. Tell dentists or emergency care or surgery doctors that you are taking this medication. There are most likely other restrictions which you should consult your doctor about.

Short Term Side Effects: This medicine makes you more susceptible to illness - stay away from people who are sick. It can also mask an infection you have - report to your doctor signs if injury or infection. Prednisone can affect blood sugar levels - if you are diabetic work with your medical team on dosing.

Common: this drug can make you very hungry or cause indigestion - your doctor may be able to prescribe another drug for indigestion. It can also make one retain water - many people report feeling puffy in the face and legs/feet. This drug can also make sleeping difficult or cause mood swings. Your doctor may adjust your dosing to help in this area.

Longer Term Side Effects: Prednisone can cause a restriction of blood supply to the larger bones in the body, particularly the hips, knees, and shoulders. If you happen to be one of the unlucky individuals who has this reaction, you can develop a condition called Avascular Necrosis, wherein a portion of the bone starts to die.

Some chemotherapy combinations using prednisone:

MOPP (Hodgkin's Disease - a "P")
Stanford V (Hodgkin's Disease - no letters for each drug)
CHOP (Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - the "P")
Promace-Cytabom

Books:

Coping With Prednisone: (and Other Cortisone - Related Medicines): It May Work Miracles, but How Do You Handle the Side Effects by Eugenia Zukerman and Julie R. Ingelfinger MD - More Information
Prednisone: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References (Paperback) by Icon Health - More Information

Prednisone Reference Links:

Detailed information from Healthtouch
Detailed Information from Thrive Online

Complications:

Avascular Necrosis information

Manufacturer

Roxane
Customer Service: (800) 520-1631
Address: P.O. Box 16532 Columbus, Ohio 43216-6532

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Please consult with a doctor or the literature provided with the drug packaging if you need specific information on a drug. The author is not responsible for missing or inaccurate information and the reader assumes full responsibility for their actions. As always, please consult with medical personnel before undertaking any medical treatment.

For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :

For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Chemotherapy

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Information Pages

The Main Page - gateway to support and more

The Lymphoma Information Network

This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions.

Chemotherapy - Prednisone