Instead of prednisone, you can use Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen for milder issues, stronger prescription NSAIDs (celecoxib, meloxicam), other corticosteroids (methylprednisolone), Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate for autoimmune conditions, biologics (Humira, Enbrel) for specific immune targets, or even some antihistamines for allergies, but the best choice depends heavily on your specific condition and should be discussed with a doctor.
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.
Serious side effects
a high temperature (or you feel hot, cold or shivery), a very sore throat, ear or sinus pain, a cough, more saliva or a change in colour of saliva (yellowish and possibly with streaks of blood), pain when you pee, mouth sores or a wound that will not heal – these can be signs of an infection.
However, in people with some types of immunosuppression (such as people undergoing chemotherapy or taking very high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisolone), the cold sores can spread more widely and the symptoms can be more severe. Antiviral medication may be required in these cases.
Common Side Effects of Steroids:
Hypertension. Bone Thinning. Avascular Necrosis of bone. Easy Bruising.
Many people enjoy the benefits of prednisone and other corticosteroids which are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce pain and discomfort related to allergic reactions, arthritis, autoimmune conditions and more. In some cases, they even elevate mood, creating a sense of euphoria and excessive energy.
Common short-term side effects include changes in appetite, mood, energy, and sleep. Long-term prednisone treatment can lead to weight gain, osteoporosis, and cataracts. Diarrhea isn't a side effect of prednisone. But other gastrointestinal symptoms are possible, like increased appetite and indigestion.
Both medications taken together can cause serious gastric complications in some patients. If after taking you develop any unusual bleeding or stomach pain, dizziness or tarry stools tell your doctor immediately.
The side effects of prednisone can also include losing touch with reality. For this reason, doctors may prescribe methylprednisolone to someone with a risk of mental health conditions instead of prednisone to reduce the risk of psychosis. Due to these side effects, doctors may avoid prescribing these corticosteroids.
Because prednisone suppresses the body's immune system, it can also increase the risk of infection. Therefore, some precautions need to be taken. Before taking prednisone, talk to your healthcare provider about the following: If you have a history of allergies to prednisone or other steroid drugs.
Steroids are commonly used by otolaryngologists to treat:
Sinusitis. Nasal polyps. Ear infections. Sudden hearing loss.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
This risk is probably much more significant if steroids are taken for more than a year, and if taken in high dose. Self-care tips: Low cholesterol diet may help. If you develop signs suggesting heart problem, such as chest pain, get medical attention quickly.
Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water and fluids helps support your kidneys as they flush out prednisone. Exercise: Physical activity helps support your metabolism and blood circulation. This helps your body process and eliminate drugs efficiently.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce pain, fever and other types of inflammation. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Healthcare providers can also prescribe stronger NSAIDs when appropriate.
Aleve has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 154 ratings on Drugs.com. 62% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect. Prednisone has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 876 ratings on Drugs.com.
Over-the-Counter Options With Similar Effects to Prednisone
To reduce inflammation, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, veggies, omega-3s, and fiber, while cutting sugar, processed foods, and bad fats; incorporate regular exercise, prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep, manage stress through techniques like yoga or meditation, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Key anti-inflammatory foods include fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, berries, and spices like turmeric and ginger, while sugary drinks, fried foods, and refined carbs promote inflammation.
A switch from prednisone to methylprednisolone may be necessary for worsening conditions or a flare of inflammation that requires quick treatment with an intravenous (IV) steroid (methylprednisolone is available in injection form, while prednisone is not).
What may interact with this medication?
Although ibuprofen does relieve some kinds of inflammation, it's in the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which is ineffective in PMR. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid steroid, is a much more potent anti-inflammatory.
Prednisone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you take oral corticosteroids for a long time, your adrenal glands may produce less of their natural steroid hormones. To give your adrenal glands time to recover this function, your provider may reduce your dose gradually.
There is no “safe” dose of prednisone. Prednisone over time increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and infection. It can worsen underlying diabetes and HTN. The effects are dose related– higher the dose, the worse the side effects.