Prednisone is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation in the body for many different conditions, including:

For more conditions prednisone is used to treat, see this article.

Drug details

Here are some details on prednisone:

  • Drug class: corticosteroid
  • Drug forms: oral tablet, oral liquid solution, concentrated oral liquid solution
  • Brand-name versions: Rayos (delayed-release oral tablet), Prednisone Intensol (concentrated oral liquid solution)

Read on to learn about prednisone and cost, as well as how you may be able to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of prednisone can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of prednisone will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug price and prednisone.

How can I determine the price of prednisone without insurance?

The price of prednisone without insurance can vary. But it might cost more than with insurance.

If you have questions about the price of prednisone without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be able to help you determine what prednisone costs without insurance.

What’s the price of prednisone in eyedrop form?

Prednisone doesn’t come in eyedrop form. A drug with a similar name, prednisolone (Pred Forte), does come in eyedrop form.

To learn which forms prednisone comes in, refer to the question and answer right below.

For more information about the price of prednisolone, talk with your pharmacist.

Do some forms and strengths of prednisone cost more than others?

Possibly. The price you pay for prednisone may vary depending on which form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Prednisone comes in the following forms and strengths:

  • oral tablet: 1 milligram (mg), 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg
  • oral liquid solution: 5 mg/1 milliliter (mL), with sizes of 30 mL,* 120 mL, and 500 mL

Prednisone is also available as the brand-name products Rayos and Prednisone Intensol. For more information, see the “Generic vs. brand-name drugs” section below.

If you have questions about the cost of prednisone, talk with your pharmacist. They can help determine the price you’ll pay for the drug.

* This is a concentrated strength.

Prednisone is a generic drug, which is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Prednisone is available as the brand-name drugs Rayos and Prednisone Intensol. Both medications are prescription drugs. Keep in mind that Rayos comes as delayed-release oral tablets. This means the medication is released slowly over time into your body. Prednisone oral tablets are immediate-release. This means the drug is released right away into your body. Prednisone Intensol comes as a concentrated oral liquid solution.

To find out how the costs of Rayos and Prednisone Intensol compare with the cost of prednisone, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed prednisone and you’re interested in using Rayos or Prednisone Intensol instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

Below are some ways to reduce long-term drug costs with prednisone.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of prednisone. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Prednisone may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for prednisone, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details on drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and prednisone, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and prednisone. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for this drug.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.