Your guide to prednisone alternatives

Key takeaways

• Depending on your condition, prescription medications like hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate can serve as alternatives to prednisone by reducing inflammation without the same steroid-related side effects.
• While there are no direct over-the-counter (OTC) replacements for prednisone, certain OTC options like ibuprofen (Advil), antihistamines, and topical corticosteroids can help manage milder symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching, and congestion.
• Lifestyle changes like adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep, along with the use of herbal supplements like ginger and green tea extract, may help reduce inflammation, but these should not replace medical treatments.

Overview

Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid used for treating conditions like severe allergies, allergic reactions, asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. 

While it can be effective, it may cause side effects, such as:

• weight gain
• insomnia
• increased risk of infection

This makes prednisone less appealing for long-term use. 

There are no OTC substitutes for prednisone, but prescription medications or natural remedies may be worth considering as alternatives.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

What medications may be effective alternatives to prednisone?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses your immune system’s response to treat various conditions, like allergies, autoimmune diseases, and arthritis.

But it may cause side effects such as:

• weight gain
• fluid retention
• headache
• difficulty sleeping
• high blood pressure
• delayed wound healing
• osteoporosis (bone thinning) with prolonged use

Side effects are more likely with higher doses and longer treatment. In fact, 90% of people who take corticosteroids for more than 60 days are likely to experience side effects. For this reason, steroid drugs like prednisone often aren’t suitable for long-term treatment.

Because of these reasons, many people may seek alternatives to prednisone. Depending on the condition being treated, possible prednisone alternatives may include:

• Hydroxychloroquine: Can be used as an alternative to prednisone for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) helps reduce inflammation without the steroid-related side effects of prednisone.
• Methotrexate: This can be an effective alternative to prednisone for arthritis. Methotrexate (Trexall) reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can be alternatives to prednisone for milder inflammation and arthritis, though they are less powerful than corticosteroids.
• Biologics: Drugs such as adalimumab (Humira) or etanercept (Enbrel) work on specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Doctors may prescribe them as alternatives to prednisone for autoimmune diseases.
• Antihistamines: OTC antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be alternatives to prednisone for allergies. They offer symptom relief with fewer risks than corticosteroids.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Are there over-the-counter substitutes for prednisone?

Currently, direct OTC substitutes for prednisone are not available. Most OTC options don’t have the same anti-inflammatory strength and effectiveness that prednisone has for managing chronic conditions.

But certain OTC medications can help manage milder symptoms. These include:

• NSAIDs: Oral NSAIDs, like aspirin (Bayer), and those that you can apply to your skin, like diclofenac gel (Voltaren), can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation from arthritis or minor injuries.
• Antihistamines: Options like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) help manage allergies by reducing symptoms like itching, swelling, and congestion.
• Topical corticosteroids: Some corticosteroids that you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream, are available OTC to reduce mild inflammation from rashes, eczema, or insect bites.

Are there any natural substitutes for prednisone?

No proven natural alternatives to prednisone are available for inflammation. However, certain lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help reduce it, including:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: This diet includes omega-3-rich foods like salmon, antioxidant-rich foods like berries and spinach, and spices like turmeric, which may help reduce inflammation naturally.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen inflammation. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and lower inflammation.
• Regular exercise: A 2019 study review found that aerobic exercise helps reduce inflammation in middle-aged and older adults (ages 65 years and older). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily.
• Adequate sleep: Inadequate sleep may worsen inflammation. The CDC recommends at least 7 hours of sleep each night for adults to support immunity and overall health.
• Herbal supplements: Natural supplements like ginger, boswellia, and green tea extract may help with mild inflammation. But their effectiveness when compared with prednisone is limited. So, only use them under the guidance of your doctor.

While natural remedies may help with inflammation, they should not replace medical treatment. Consider talking with a healthcare professional before making changes, especially for chronic conditions.

Summary

Prednisone alternatives vary depending on the condition being treated. Prescription medications like hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and certain biologics can provide targeted relief, while OTC options and natural remedies may help relieve milder symptoms. 

Consider talking with your doctor to explore the best approach for your needs. Combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes can provide a well-rounded approach to managing inflammation and other conditions.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.