Some people may wonder, "What is prednisone used to treat?" Prednisone is a prescription medication used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, or simply "steroids" for short, and works by decreasing inflammation or suppressing an overactive immune system.
Specifically, prednisone has been licensed for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Hormonal (endocrine) disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency, high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) of cancer, or adrenal hyperplasia.
- Rheumatic disorders, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, gout, or osteoarthritis.
- Collagen disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Skin disorders, such as severe allergic reactions, mycosis fungoides (a form of lymphoma), psoriasis, or seborrhea.
- Allergic conditions, including allergic reactions, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
- Eye disorders, such as herpes eye infections, keratitis, and optic neuritis.
- Respiratory disorders, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia.
- Blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelets) or anemia caused by immune system reactions.
- Relief of cancer symptoms due to leukemia or lymphoma.
- Fluid retention due to kidney problems or systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Gastrointestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
(Click Prednisone and Prednisone Uses for more information on what this medication is used to treat. These articles also describe how prednisone works, list potential side effects, and explain what to tell your healthcare provider before using this medication.)
