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Prednisone

Prednisone · 5 mg · tablet · qty 30

Top 300 prescribed medication (ClinCalc rank 38).

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Common uses & information

Prednisone is a prescription medication supplied as tablet in a 5 mg strength. It is commonly used for top 300 prescribed medication (ClinCalc rank 38).

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Clinical information

Typical dosing

Highly variable by condition and severity — there is no single "typical dose": • Adults: commonly 5–60 mg/day depending on the condition being treated, sometimes higher for severe autoimmune flares or transplant contexts. • Pediatric: typically weight-based, roughly 1–2 mg/kg/day for many indications, per prescriber. • Best taken with food, in the morning, to mirror the body's natural cortisol rhythm and reduce stomach upset. ⚠️ TAPER WARNING: if you've taken prednisone for more than about 7–14 days, NEVER stop suddenly. Your adrenal glands slow their own cortisol production during treatment, and abrupt discontinuation can cause adrenal crisis — a medical emergency with symptoms like severe fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea/vomiting, and confusion. Your prescriber will give you a tapering schedule that gradually lowers the dose.

Monitoring

Blood glucose (especially in diabetics or long courses), blood pressure, bone density with long-term use, eye exams (cataracts/glaucoma) with prolonged use, and watching for signs of infection since immune response is blunted.

Side effects

Short-term: increased appetite, mood changes/insomnia, fluid retention, elevated blood sugar. Long-term or high-dose use raises the risk of: hyperglycemia/diabetes, weight gain, osteoporosis (bone thinning — calcium and vitamin D supplementation is often recommended), Cushingoid features (round face, fat redistribution), cataracts and glaucoma, GI ulcers (especially combined with NSAIDs), increased infection risk from immune suppression, and adrenal (HPA axis) suppression.

Interactions to know

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) combined with prednisone significantly raise GI bleeding/ulcer risk. Avoid live vaccines (MMR, varicella, live nasal flu vaccine, etc.) while on immunosuppressive doses — discuss timing with your prescriber. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin, certain anticonvulsants) can reduce prednisone's effectiveness by speeding its breakdown.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

FDA Pregnancy Category C. Generally used when benefits outweigh risks. Some studies suggest a small increased risk of cleft palate with first-trimester use. Discuss risk-benefit with your OB/prescriber, especially for chronic use.

Additional notes

Take with food to reduce stomach upset; morning dosing is preferred to match natural cortisol rhythm and minimize insomnia. Carry a steroid alert card/wallet card if on long-term therapy, since your body may not be able to mount a normal stress response (illness, surgery, injury) without extra steroid coverage.

Clinical content reviewed by the BetterBuyRx clinical team, on 2026-07-07. Read the full wiki entry and sources →

Manufacturer & patient assistance programs

For patient assistance, check NeedyMeds and RxAssist.

FAQ

Is generic Prednisone the same as Prednisone?

Yes. The FDA requires generics to contain the same active ingredient at the same strength as the brand. Inactive ingredients (binders, dyes) may differ.

How much can I save by choosing the generic?

Currently no FDA-approved generic equivalent exists for Prednisone, so the brand and generic prices are similar.

Do I need insurance to get this price?

No. The prices shown on BetterBuyRx are cash prices. Often these beat insurance copays for generics.

How often is this price updated?

At minimum every 72 hours. Many sources refresh every few hours.

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