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What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation and suppress overactive immune responses. It is prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including asthma, severe allergies, autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, certain skin conditions, and some blood disorders. It is also used in some cancer treatment plans and to help prevent organ transplant rejection.
Prednisone is available in multiple strengths, including 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg tablets, which allows for flexible dosing. Because it is available as a generic, many patients compare prices for cheap prednisone or buy it online from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Always ensure the source is legitimate with clear labeling, correct strength, and a valid expiration date.
How It Works
Prednisone works by mimicking cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It binds to glucocorticoid receptors inside cells, influencing gene expression and reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals. This decreases swelling, redness, heat, and pain in affected tissues, and calms an overactive immune system.
Because prednisone affects many systems in the body, benefits and side effects depend on the dose, treatment duration, and individual sensitivity.
What you may notice
Relief of swelling, reduced joint pain, easier breathing, improved rash or skin condition, and less fatigue from inflammatory illness. Effects can start within hours to days depending on the condition.
Dosage Information
Prednisone dosing is highly variable and must be tailored to the specific condition, severity, and patient factors. Always follow your clinician’s instructions.
- General adult dosing: 5 mg to 60 mg daily, given as a single dose or divided doses.
- Asthma flare: Often starts at 40 mg to 60 mg daily, then tapered over several days.
- Autoimmune disease: May start higher and taper to the lowest effective dose for maintenance.
- Allergic reactions: Short course at moderate doses, taper as symptoms improve.
How to take it
Take prednisone with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. If prescribed once daily, take in the morning to match your body’s natural cortisol rhythm. Do not stop suddenly if you have taken it for more than a few weeks—this can cause adrenal crisis. Your clinician will create a taper schedule to stop safely.
Cost and access tips
Generic prednisone is widely available and inexpensive. Buying from licensed online pharmacies can save money. Cheap pricing is fine when labeling and expiration dates are clear and a pharmacist is available for consultation.
Side Effects
Side effects depend on dose and duration. Short term use often causes few problems, while long term use carries more risks.
Common short term effects
- Increased appetite
- Fluid retention
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
Long term effects
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Thinning skin and easy bruising
- Muscle weakness
Report vision changes, severe mood swings, signs of infection, or sudden weight gain to your clinician promptly.
Warnings & Interactions
Prednisone should be used with caution in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma, infections, or psychiatric conditions. It can mask signs of infection, so close monitoring is important.
Drug interactions
- NSAIDs: Can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Blood thinners: May affect clotting times; monitoring is needed.
- Diabetes medicines: May require dose adjustments due to raised blood sugar levels.
- Live vaccines: Avoid during high dose therapy because of reduced immune response.
Practical safety tips
Carry a steroid treatment card if you are on long term prednisone. During illness, injury, or surgery, you may need a temporary dose increase. If buying prednisone online, use only licensed U.S. pharmacies and ensure labeling and expiration dates are correct. Cheap pricing is acceptable when those checks are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many inflammatory conditions, you may start to feel relief within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the dose and illness.
No. If you have taken it for more than a few weeks, stopping suddenly can cause adrenal crisis. Your clinician will provide a tapering schedule.
It can, especially with long term use, due to increased appetite and fluid retention.
Moderate alcohol use is generally allowed, but both alcohol and prednisone can irritate the stomach and increase ulcer risk.
Yes, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use, which can make infections more likely.
A diet low in salt and sugar, with plenty of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, can help offset side effects like fluid retention and bone loss.
Yes, if purchased from a licensed U.S. pharmacy with clear labeling and expiration dates. Cheap pricing is fine when those checks are met.
Yes, it can raise blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes. Monitoring and medication adjustments may be needed.
You should avoid live vaccines while on high dose prednisone. Inactivated vaccines are usually safe but may be less effective.
It can be used short term or long term depending on your condition. Long term use requires regular monitoring for side effects.
Medical Disclaimer
This website provides informational overviews of medications and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
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This page was last medically reviewed: August 2025
Educational information only. Prednisone should be used under clinician supervision. Do not stop suddenly after long term use without a taper plan.