The Cost of Prednisone Without Insurance

Prednisone is a prescription drug known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are synthetic medications designed to mimic the effects of cortisone, a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal gland.

Prednisone and other corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, betamethasone, and hydrocortisone are primarily prescribed to treat inflammation and/or to suppress the immune system. Because inflammation and/or aggressive immune response to injury or disease are quite common, it’s likely that at some point you may be prescribed prednisone.

If this happens, you may be wondering if the cost of prednisone without insurance will fit in your budget.

How much does prednisone cost without insurance?

The cost of prednisone without insurance starts at $3.34* for 20mg and 30 tablets using an RxSaver coupon.

If you are without insurance and your health care provider prescribes prednisone, you’ll be happy to know that this medication is very affordable. RxSaver™ offers coupons for prednisone which can make this medication less expensive. Medication prices vary depending on the type of medication and dosage.

How does prednisone work?

Prednisone works, in the same way, the hormone cortisone (which is produced by the adrenal glands), works. It reduces redness and swelling (inflammation) and suppresses your body’s immune system. As a prescription medication, prednisone is taken orally, either in pill form or liquid form. Your dosage and the length of time you will take prednisone will be determined by your health care provider.

The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant qualities of prednisone make it a very commonly prescribed drug for those who suffer from autoimmune disorders and for those who have been diagnosed with inflammation. Prednisone has also proven to help individuals who have certain blood disorders such as anemia. Likewise, it may be used to treat specific types of cancers. In addition, prednisone may also be used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.

Can you buy prednisone over the counter?

You cannot buy prednisone over the counter. Prednisone requires a prescription, and you will need to take prednisone exactly as prescribed by your health care professional. You should not stop taking prednisone without consulting your physician, as it may be necessary to reduce your dosage over time.

Side effects of prednisone

Prednisone, like all prescription medications, has a risk of side effects. Common side effects of prednisone may include:

• weight gain
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• restlessness

Serious side effects are possible and can include vision changes, a severe allergic reaction, fever, high blood sugar and excess urinating. It is important that you notify your health care provider of any side effects you experience from prednisone.

What conditions are treated with prednisone?

As both an anti-inflammatory and an immunosuppressant, prednisone is prescribed to treat dozens of conditions, ranging from relatively mild allergic-type swelling reactions to debilitating autoimmune diseases, to severe breathing disorders and cancers.

Prednisone is also used to treat individuals who suffer from adrenal insufficiency known as Addison’s Disease. Individuals who have Addison’s Disease do not produce enough cortisol on their own, and as such require prednisone and/or other corticosteroids to correct the insufficient levels of vital hormones.

Prednisone for Autoimmune Disorders

Prednisone may be prescribed to treat autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease, psoriatic disease (psoriasis), and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Prednisone for Inflammation

Prednisone may be prescribed by your health care provider to treat inflammation in your body. It is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, carditis, pericarditis, thyroiditis, arthritis, asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), sinusitis, and more.

Prednisone for Blood Disorders and Cancer

Prednisone is used to treat patients with certain blood disorders and cancers. For example, it may be included in chemotherapy regimens to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with lymphoma or myeloma may also be prescribed prednisone. Likewise, prednisone has been shown to help some individuals suffering from blood disorders such as anemia, or low platelet counts.

Prednisone for Skin Conditions

Prednisone is used to treat skin conditions including rashes from vasculitis. It is also used to treat contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Getting the Best Price for Prednisone When You Are Uninsured

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured, rest assured that the cost of prednisone without insurance is affordable. RxSaver coupons reduce the price of prednisone to just a few dollars per prescription so that you get the best price when you’re uninsured.

Prednisone: 20 mg / 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/20/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.