Tag: Prednisone alternatives

According to a July 2020 study in the *Annals of Internal Medicine*, taking corticosteroids for as short as three days may increase the risk for serious adverse events. This raises a critical question for many patients and healthcare providers: **does prednisone do more harm than good?** The answer is complex, balancing potent, life-saving benefits against a broad spectrum of short- and long-term risks.

Studies show that annually, about 3.8% of the population receives a prescription for oral glucocorticoids like prednisone [1.2.1]. For those seeking alternatives due to side effects or long-term use concerns, understanding what is a substitute for prednisone is crucial for managing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

In a study of commercially insured American adults, one in five received a prescription for short-term oral corticosteroids over a three-year period. For those seeking an alternative due to side effects or other concerns, it's important to ask, **what is a substitute for prednisone tablets?**

Studies suggest that between 12.2% and 18.1% of people who receive oral glucocorticoids like prednisone become long-term users [1.5.2]. For these individuals, the critical question becomes: **what can you take long term instead of prednisone?**

While corticosteroids like prednisone are highly effective for severe inflammation, a significant number of patients experience concerning side effects from long-term use, such as weight gain, mood swings, and increased risk of infection. For many, this raises a crucial question: **How do you treat inflammation without prednisone?** A multi-faceted approach involving alternative medications and lifestyle strategies offers effective solutions.