Corticosteroids

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Corticosteroids are used to treat allergic conditions of the skin and respiratory system, inflammatory conditions of the bowel (colitis), and may be included in some cancer therapy protocols. Your veterinarian may prescribe this medication for other conditions.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Give this medication with food.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose accurately.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day and try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.

- DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.

- Wear disposable gloves when applying topical medication containing corticosteroids.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. Contact your veterinary surgeon if you miss giving doses two or more days in a row.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

-- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Your pet may experience some stomach upset. Give this medication with meals. Side effects may include excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive ingestion of food, panting, drowsiness, weakness, hair loss, weight loss, lack of appetite and diarrhoea. If these effects continue and become troublesome, notify your veterinarian.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- In general, animals receiving corticosteroids should not be vaccinated.

- Contact your veterinarianif your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.