I was prescribed prednisone for a respiratory issue (two 20mg tablets 1x a day for 3 days). since starting the rx, i have experienced painful/burning urination, urine leaks when coughing, lower ab pain & night sweats. could this be a uti from the rx?

Not from Prednisone : Steroids may have other side effects including insomnia, mania, weight gain, increased hunger. Prednisones will not cause a urinary tract infection, however you should get those checked out promptly. Simple infections can be easy to treat with an oral antibiotic for a couple of days as opposed to waiting longer or for symptoms to worsen and developing a more severe infection.