CETAPRED (PREDNISOLONE) INDICATIONS
Cetapred is used for treating allergies, arthritis, breathing problems (eg, asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (eg, lupus), certain eye diseases (eg, keratitis), cancer (eg, leukemia), endocrine problems (eg, adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (eg, ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (eg, psoriasis). Cetapred is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the body's immune response to various conditions and decreasing inflammation.
CETAPRED (PREDNISOLONE) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Cetapred as directed by your doctor.
- Take Cetapred by mouth with food.
- If you miss a dose of Cetapred, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cetapred.
CETAPRED (PREDNISOLONE) STORAGE
Store Cetapred at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cetapred out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Do NOT use Cetapred if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Cetapred
- you have a systemic fungal infection, a certain type of malaria, inflammation of the optic nerve, or herpes infection of the eye
- you are scheduled to have a live or attenuated live vaccination (eg, smallpox)
- you are taking mifepristone.
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Cetapred. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, fluid retention (eg, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet), or any mental or mood problems
- if you have or have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; or shingles
- if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB) infection, or if you have had ever had a positive TB skin test
- if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, or infection; unexplained diarrhea; diverticulitis; ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus
- if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
- if you have had a recent vaccination (eg, smallpox).
Some medicines may interact with Cetapred. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Clarithromycin, cyclosporine, estrogens (eg, estradiol), oral contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Cetapred's side effects
- Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, ephedrine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Cetapred's effectiveness
- Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine), aspirin, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), methotrexate, mifepristone, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), ritodrine, or live or attenuated live vaccines because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Cetapred
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or killed or inactivated vaccines because their effectiveness may be decreased by Cetapred.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cetapred may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Avoid alcohol while you are using Cetapred.
- Cetapred may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
- If you are taking Cetapred regularly over a long period of time, carry an ID card at all times that says you take Cetapred.
- Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps, smallpox) while you are taking Cetapred. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cetapred before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Diabetes patients - Cetapred may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Lab tests, including adrenal function tests, may be performed while you use Cetapred. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Caution is advised when using Cetapred in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Cetapred.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cetapred while you are pregnant. Cetapred is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Cetapred, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
If you are on long-term or high dosage therapy and you suddenly stop taking Cetapred, you may have withdrawal symptoms, including fever, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, weight loss, weakness, general body discomfort, joint or muscle pain.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; feeling of a whirling motion; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; upset stomach.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual period; changes in skin color; chest pain; easy bruising or bleeding; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat); sudden severe dizziness or headache; swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; tendon or bone pain; thinning of skin; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.