Can you buy prednisone over the counter?

Prednisone is a steroid medication that is used to treat various conditions that involve inflammation, such as severe allergies, severe skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others. You may hear prednisone referred to as a corticosteroid or glucocorticoid. It is sometimes referred to by the brand name Deltasone. However, prednisone is only available as a generic medication in the United States. Prednisone is only available by prescription and is not available over the counter (OTC). You will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to obtain this medication.

Can you get prednisone over the counter?

Unfortunately, prednisone is not available over the counter. It is only available as a prescription drug. To get prednisone, you will need a prescription from a healthcare provider. Prednisone is associated with various warnings and side effects, some of which can be very serious. People who take prednisone must be closely monitored by their healthcare provider.

Are there corticosteroids you can get over the counter?

There are no oral corticosteroids, like prednisone, available as an OTC medication. However, some types of steroids are considered safe for use without a prescription. 

For example:

• Hydrocortisone creams and ointments are available OTC. They can be applied topically to affected skin for mild skin rashes and itching.
• Some OTC allergy nasal sprays contain a steroid. Examples include Flonase (fluticasone), Rhinocort (budesonide), and Nasacort Allergy Spray (triamcinolone).

However, even OTC corticosteroids have specific warnings to be aware of. Before using an OTC steroid, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure the product is appropriate and safe for you.

Risks and danger of over-the-counter prednisone

A licensed healthcare provider must issue a prednisone prescription. Stay away from websites that advertise prednisone availability without a prescription. You should not buy prednisone online unless you have a prescription from a healthcare provider and you use a licensed pharmacy. You should never share prescription medications with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another person. The dosage of prednisone varies depending on individual factors and medical conditions. Depending on the duration or dose of prednisone, it may be necessary to taper the medication gradually rather than abruptly stop it. What’s more, there are many potential warnings and side effects, including serious side effects, that can occur with prednisone use. 

Common side effects of prednisone may include:

• Acne 
• Fatigue
• Appetite increase 
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Possible serious side effects can include, but are not limited to:

• Allergic reactions (if you have symptoms of hives, trouble breathing, or swelling, get emergency medical help)
• Problems with the adrenal gland
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Osteoporosis
• Cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye)
• Glaucoma (increased pressure of the eye, which can lead to vision loss and blindness)
• Increased risk of infection (due to the medication’s effect on the immune system)
• Behavioral and mood changes, including hostility, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and thoughts of suicide
• Stomach bleeding
• Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles

As you can see, many serious side effects may occur as a result of taking prednisone. If you were to take prednisone without a prescription, you could put yourself in danger. A prednisone prescription should be issued by a healthcare provider, who will closely monitor you during treatment, and filled at a licensed and reputable pharmacy.

What is similar to prednisone over the counter?

While there is no exact OTC substitute for prednisone, there may be some options that can help with your symptoms, depending on what you are experiencing. 

It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before trying a medication for the first time, even if it’s over the counter. This precaution is important to address potential medical conditions or drug interactions. Always tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription and OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements. 

Before using an OTC medication, you should always read the label and make sure you understand how to use it. 

Remember that while OTC medication may help manage mild or moderate symptoms, you may need to see a healthcare provider for severe and persistent symptoms, which may require prescription-strength treatment.

Here are some examples of OTC medications that may be used to manage certain types of inflammation:

• You can try an OTC nasal steroid such as Flonase (fluticasone) for an allergy-related stuffy nose.
• For itchy skin, apply a topical OTC hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.
• For pain and inflammation, you can try an OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Aleve (naproxen) or Motrin (ibuprofen). You can also try a topical NSAID treatment such as Voltaren Arthritis Pain, a local anesthetic patch such as lidocaine, or a heat patch.

Again, remember that it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis, medical advice, and a treatment plan individualized to your conditions.