Prednisone is a prescription medication used to treat many conditions including:

• low corticosteroid levels (adrenal insufficiency)
• certain types of arthritis
• allergic conditions
• multiple sclerosis
• lupus and other collagen diseases
• other diseases affecting the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines

Prednisone belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids, which replace steroids the body normally makes, leading to overall reduction of inflammation and of the immune system.

This medication comes in tablet and oral solution forms and is usually taken one to four times a day or every other day, with food or milk.

Common side effects of prednisone include headache, dizziness, and difficulty falling asleep.  Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how prednisone will affect you.