Wysolone (prednisolone) is a corticosteroid tablet used to treat inflammation and suppress immune system function. It is a potent product but very useful in treating inflammatory conditions. With doctor approval it can be used in all ages, however, parents should be aware that long-term use of this or any steroid in children can produce permanent side effects, such as stunted growth.

Though a steroid, Wysolone is not used as a performance-enhancer. It is a catabolic steroid which, rather than help build muscle, will instead begin to break down muscle if used long-term.

Similarly, some patients feel energized or develop a sense of well-being while taking Wysolone, but these effects are minimal compared to other drugs and addiction is very unlikely.

Wysolone Uses

Put simply, Wysolone reduces inflammation. Inflammation has a variety of causes, but the end result is often detrimental; swelling, pain, impaired movement, and so forth. Alleviating inflammation allows the body to heal and relieves the pain and other symptoms.

Sometimes inflammation doesn't cause pain, at least not directly; in asthma, for example, it causes impaired breathing. Wysolone is every bit as beneficial in these conditions.

Common uses for this medication include treating:

• Rheumatic disorders
• Moderate to severe allergic conditions
• Many respiratory conditions
• Certain eye diseases
• Certain skin conditions
• Endocrine disorders
• Collagen conditions
• Certain blood diseases
• Certain nervous system disorders
• Some gastrointestinal diseases
• Certain cancer treatments

Wysolone should not be used to resolve inflammation from an infection of any kind, and the product may not be prescribed if the patient has an infection or illness. This is because Wysolone also inhibits the immune system. While this action can be beneficial, for example in treating lupus, it also has its drawbacks---patients will be more susceptible to acquiring infection or illness and will have a more difficult time recovering from them.

In the interest of avoiding infection or illness during treatment, patients should:

• Try to avoid circumstances in which an infection may be acquired--avoid contact with sick people, people who have recently had live-virus vaccinations, and so forth;
• Make sure even minor wounds are promptly cleaned and dressed properly;
• Wash hands frequently;
• Notify doctors or dentists of prednisolone use before having any procedures done;
• Be alert for symptoms of infection---fever, chills, coughing, diarrhea, painful urination, pain, seepage or swelling at an injury site, and so forth.

If an infection is suspected while taking Wysolone, it should be promptly brought to the attention of a doctor.

Wysolone Administration

Wysolone comes in tablets, which can be taken in several ways; once per day, multiple times per day, or every other day. The former two are typical for short-term treatment lasting just days or a few weeks; the latter is common in long-term treatment lasting months or years, and is also relatively common in treating young children.

Dosage ranges from 1 mg to 80 mg, though somewhere between 5 mg and 60 mg is most common. Dosage varies widely between patients, even those being treated for the same condition, and is impossible to summarize. In addition to the condition being treated, doctors will also take into account its severity, patient age, weight, other medical conditions, other medications being taken, and so forth.

Duration of treatment is also variable between patients, again even when being treated for the same condition. In most cases treatment is short term, lasting a few days to a few weeks, but there are exceptions. Treatment is ideally always at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Treatment can be repeated in the future if need be.

If treatment lasts more than one week, or less than one week but at doses higher than 40 mg per day, the medication should be gradually tapered down rather than abruptly stopped. In most cases a doctor will provide discontinuation instructions when the medication is prescribed. Lacking those, reducing dosage by half each day is a rough guideline.

Effects are usually noticed quickly, sometimes within just hours of the first dose. Patients often experience significant relief of pain, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms as inflammation subsides.

Side Effects

Since Wysolone suppresses the immune system, patients taking the medication---particularly long-term---are at increased risk of acquiring an infection. Likewise, infections and injuries may be slow to heal while using Wysolone. It is important to try to avoid situations in which infections may be acquired, and be alert for any symptoms of infection. If an infection is acquired, a doctor should be consulted.

It is also important to inform doctors or dentists that prednisone is being used prior to any procedures; Wysolone use may need to be interrupted or the procedure delayed.

Common side effects are usually mild and not cause for concern:

• Increased appetite
• Mild weight gain
• Fluid retention
• Mild stomach upset
• Difficulty sleeping

If the above symptoms become serious enough to be disruptive, speak with a doctor.

Severe side effects are largely dependent on dose and duration of use; those taking large amounts of Wysolone for more than a few weeks are at greatest risk. Regular doctor checkups are strongly encouraged so developing side effects can be monitored for.