Living with pulmonary fibrosis: corticosteroid medication Prednisolone

This fact sheet has been designed to help people living with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) to understand more about the corticosteroid medication, prednisolone.

Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid, also known as a corticosteroid, used to reduce inflammation, particularly in the lungs, to prevent lung fibrosis. It is available in both oral and intravenous forms. Oral prednisolone is typically taken once daily in the morning and comes in 1mg, 5mg, and 25mg tablets. The dosage is adjusted over time based on the patient’s needs. Intravenous methylprednisolone is used for acute exacerbations and is administered in high doses over three days in a hospital setting.

Before taking prednisolone, it is important to inform your doctor about any allergies, other medications you are taking, and any health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, infections, or cancer. Discuss your pregnancy, breastfeeding, and vaccination status with your doctor. Prednisolone can increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels, so monitoring these is essential.

While taking prednisolone, do not stop or change the dose without consulting your doctor. Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene. Long-term antibiotic or anti-reflux medication may be prescribed. Inform healthcare providers about your prednisolone use before surgeries or starting new medications. It is important to be cautious with driving and operating machinery, as well as monitoring for symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as weakness, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Common side effects of prednisolone include skin changes like thinning, bruising, and acne, weight gain due to increased appetite and metabolism changes, raised blood sugar levels which can affect diabetes management, and osteoporosis, for which bone density tests may be recommended. Other side effects include high blood pressure, vision changes such as cataracts and glaucoma, psychological effects like mood changes, anxiety, and depression, digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and stomach ulcers, and an increased risk of infections.