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Deltasone

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About this Medication
  • Brand Name: Deltasone (U.S. and Canada)
  • Chemical Name: prednisone (pred-ni-sone)
  • Usage in MS: Acute Exacerbations
  • Generic Available: Yes

Description

Prednisone is one of a group of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) that are used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for the management of acute exacerbations because they have the capacity to close the damaged blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although prednisone is among the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several different possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethasone, betamethasone and prednisolone. The following information pertains to all of the various corticosteroids.

Most neurologists treating MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously are the most effective treatment for an MS exacerbation, although the exact protocol for the drug's use may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another. Patients generally receive a three-to-five-day course of treatment (either in the hospital or as an out-patient), with doses of the medication spread throughout the day. The high-dose, intravenous dose is typically followed by a gradually tapering dose of an oral corticosteroid (usually ranging in length from ten days to five or six weeks). Prednisone is commonly used for this oral taper. Oral prednisone may also be used instead of the high-dose, intravenous treatment if the intravenous treatment is not desired or is medically contraindicated.

Click here to read more information about prednisone, which is also available under the brand names Prednisone Intensol®, Sterapred®, Sterapred® DS.



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