Precautions
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.
Do not receive live vaccines while you or your child are using this medicine.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may increase your risk of developing infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems (eg, Cushing's syndrome). The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, fractures, increased thirst or urination, irritability, round or "moon" face, neck, or trunk, stomach pain, thin skin or easy bruising, weight gain or loss, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
This medicine may cause fluid retention (edema) in some patients. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet (especially salt intake).
This medicine may mask or hide symptoms of other diseases while you are using it. Check with your doctor if you or your child have symptoms of infection, black, tarry stools, changes in body weight, difficulty with breathing, fast heart rate, increased thirst, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or vomiting.
Check with your doctor right away if you start having severe stomach burning, cramps, or pains, bloody or black, tarry stools, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds. These could be symptoms of a serious stomach or bowel problem.
This medicine may cause changes in mood and behavior. Check with your doctor if you or your child has trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or irritable, mood swings, or other changes in behavior.
Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has any changes to your eyes, including redness, itching, swelling, or vision changes while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may want your eyes to be checked by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause slow growth and may lead to osteoporosis at any age. If you have any questions about this ask your doctor.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
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