ACTIONS/USES: Immunosuppressant/Antiinflammatory.

For pulmonary fibrosis, it is used to decrease inflammation in the lung to decrease the scarring or damage to the lung. It is also used to treat allergic conditions and other inflammatory type diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS:

Ankle or leg swelling Stomach upset Increased appetite and weight gain Increased risk of infections Insomnia Mood swings Muscle aches or joint pain Menstrual irregularities

Osteoporosis Cataracts Thinning of the skin/easy bruising Muscle wasting Depression Diabetes

Your doctor may order a (dexa) bone density test before you start this medicine. You will need to take a calcium supplement combined with vitamin D. There are several over-the-counter formulations. The usual dose is 1500 mg - 1800 mg of calcium each day. One tablet three times a day with meals is the usual amount. Another medication to protect you from bone loss may be prescribed if your bone density test is below normal.

• Take this medicine in the morning.
• Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. The dose should be decreased gradually.
• Report any signs of infection like fever to your doctor immediately.
• Avoid alcohol and high-fat, sugary foods.
• Eat a well-balanced diet to avoid weight gain.
• If you are diabetic, this medicine can cause high blood sugar. You should monitor your sugar levels more closely and check with your doctor for any change in your medicine or insulin dose.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
• If you should become pregnant while taking this medicine, notify your doctor immediately.