Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking prednisone as follows:
- Inflammatory response and inflammatory mediators are needed for migration of white blood cells and healing proteins into any wounded tissue, which are essential to promote healing. Inhibition of inflammatory response by prednisone can inhibit migration of white blood cells and healing proteins to the damaged tissue and thus contribute to poor wound healing. So, prednisone use is discouraged in individuals with history of chronic nonhealing wounds. If you develop any wounds while using prednisone, please report to your physician for a suggestion regarding your safety with continuing on prednisone.
- Depending on the dose of intake, prednisone use can result in mood swings ranging from euphoria to depression. Individuals can also present with psychosis and aggressive behavior with prednisone intake. Any behavior disturbances and mood swings, following prednisone intake, must be closely followed and reported to the physician appropriately, for a possible change in the dose of medication to be considered. Extra caution must be exercised in individuals with history of mood disorders and psychosis, as they are more prone for exacerbation of these findings with prednisone intake.
- Prednisone, by influencing the body metabolism, can significantly increase the appetite and intake, which can contribute to significant weight gain. This can also contribute to poor blood sugar control in diabetics, with sharp increase in hyperglycemic episodes. Make a list of food items low in calories and observing compliance with the list made can help with preventing excessive weight gain, obesity, and poor blood sugar control.
