All medications
Pain & symptom relief
Prednisone
Brand names: Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone (Medrol)
A corticosteroid that quickly calms inflammation, often used to control flares while longer-term medicines take effect.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Flares of RA, lupus, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, myositis and many other inflammatory conditions.
How it works
It mimics cortisol, a hormone your body makes, and switches off many inflammatory signals at once.
How it’s taken
Tablets usually taken in the morning with food. Doses are tapered gradually. Never stop suddenly after more than a few weeks of use.
Side effects
Raised blood sugar, weight gain, mood and sleep changes, higher blood pressure, bone loss, cataracts, thin skin and higher infection risk. Risk grows with dose and time.
Monitoring
Blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and bone density. Long courses usually come with calcium, vitamin D and sometimes a bone-protecting medicine.
Good to know
Carry a list of your medicines in case of emergency surgery or illness. Prednisone can be used in pregnancy when needed.
At a glance
Class
Pain & symptom relief
Brand names
Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.