Prednisone: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Prednisone tablets and solutions are indicated in the following conditions: 1.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label af861c38…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Prednisone tablets and solutions are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance) Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Hypercalcemia associated with cancer Nonsuppurative thyroiditis 2. Rheumatic Disorders As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Psoriatic arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy) Ankylosing spondylitis Acute and subacute bursitis Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis Acute gouty arthritis Post-traumatic osteoarthritis Synovitis of osteoarthritis Epicondylitis 3. Collagen Diseases During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: Systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis) Acute rheumatic carditis 4. Dermatologic Diseases Pemphigus Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens…
Tests providers may use to monitor Prednisone therapy
Conditions associated with Prednisone in labeling
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing back pain and stif...
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, causing pain and swelling, often in the sh...
Gout
A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposition, causing sudden severe joint pain, often in the big...
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, caused by wear and tear of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and...
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint d...
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prednisone used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Prednisone?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Prednisone require lab monitoring?
Labeling and standard practice associate Prednisone with periodic laboratory monitoring; the tests above are commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor patients on therapy. Your provider decides what is appropriate.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.