Last Modified: March 11, 2012 Prednisone is a corticosteroid,
similar to a hormone that is made naturally in your body.
Corticosteroids (sometimes abbreviated as "steroids") are used
to decrease inflammation, (swelling and/or redness) and thus are
involved in the management of a number of diseases, including
asthma, autoimmune disorders, reactions to medications, and
gastrointestinal disorders (colitis), among others. Prednisone
may be given to prevent a reaction to a medication, prevent or
decrease nausea or be used in high doses to treat certain
cancers. Prednisone comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
Prednisone is best taken with food, as it can irritate your
stomach. Your doctor will probably tell you to take your dose(s)
of prednisone at certain time(s) of day every day. Your personal
dosing schedule will depend on what it is being used the
medication is being used for. There are a number of things you
can do to manage the side effects of Prednisone. Talk to your
doctor or nurse about these recommendation