Prednisone cost: how to pay less for steroid prescriptions

What prednisone treats

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It replaces steroids the body normally makes when levels are low, and it reduces swelling and redness and changes how the immune system works. It’s used for certain types of arthritis, severe allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, lupus and conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach and intestines, and sometimes for certain cancers (MedlinePlus).

Your doctor sets the dose and schedule, which may change during treatment. MedlinePlus says prednisone is usually taken with food (MedlinePlus). Follow your label exactly, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear. This page isn’t medical advice.

Forms and why they matter for price

Prednisone comes as a tablet, a delayed-release tablet, a liquid and a concentrated liquid (MedlinePlus). If you’re offered a delayed-release or liquid version, ask your prescriber whether regular generic tablets would work for you, and price both. Several older prednisone brands are no longer sold, but generic alternatives may be available (MedlinePlus).

How it compares with similar steroids

• Methylprednisolone (Medrol). Another corticosteroid, used for certain forms of arthritis, severe allergies, asthma and skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid and intestinal disorders (MedlinePlus). It’s often given as a pre-packaged dose pack. Ask whether the generic dose pack or loose generic tablets cost less for your prescription.
• Which one is right? That depends on your condition, so don’t swap one steroid for another on your own. If cost is a problem, tell your prescriber before you leave the office.

Safety rules that also save you money

• Don’t stop suddenly. MedlinePlus says stopping prednisone suddenly can cause extreme tiredness, weakness, upset stomach and other symptoms, so your doctor may lower the dose gradually (MedlinePlus). Running out early can mean an urgent visit, so refill on time.
• Infection risk. Prednisone may lower your ability to fight infection and hide its symptoms. Stay away from people who are sick, and call your doctor right away if you’ve been around chickenpox or measles (MedlinePlus).
• Tell your doctor about your health history, including diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, eye infections, seizures and emotional or mental health problems (MedlinePlus).
• Vaccines. Don’t get any vaccines without talking to your doctor first (MedlinePlus).
• Alcohol and pain relievers. MedlinePlus says methylprednisolone makes the stomach more sensitive to alcohol, aspirin and some arthritis drugs, raising ulcer risk (MedlinePlus). Ask about this with any steroid.
• Serious side effects. Call your doctor right away for vision problems, eye pain, signs of infection, seizures, depression, confusion, irregular heartbeat or sudden weight gain (MedlinePlus).

Keep a list of all your medicines and supplements, and show it to every doctor and pharmacist. MedlinePlus says some medicines shouldn’t be started while you take prednisone without talking to your provider (MedlinePlus).

How to pay less

• Ask for the generic. FDA says generics work the same way as the brand, and prices tend to drop as more companies make the same drug (FDA).
• Compare cash prices. The same prednisone prescription can cost different amounts at different pharmacies. Check a free discount card such as RxGo before you fill, and compare it with your copay.
• Check your plan’s drug list. Look up the drug and its tier, then compare the copay with a discount price (HealthCare.gov).
• On Medicare? If your income is limited, apply for Extra Help. Drugs bought with a discount card instead of your plan don’t count toward your plan’s out-of-pocket limit (Medicare.gov).
• No insurance? HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income. Find one near you.