This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Prednisolone which is a corticosteroid, which is similar to a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands which controls the inflammatory response (swelling). It is generally given orally in a dose of 7.5-10mgs in the morning. It is used in prostate cancer as a treatment for men with hormone refractory disease, and also as an alternative to the anti-androgens. Steroids switch off the extra bit of testosterone produced elsewhere in the body to decrease swelling and pain. It is often used alongside chemotherapy
Side effects should include damage to the general immune response: insomnia, depression, thinning of the skin, adrenal suppression, weight gain, acne, ulceration of the stomach or intestine, increased risk of fractures of the bones, high blood pressure.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list