Can You Get Prednisone Without a Doctor's Prescription? Dangers and Legal Risks

Can You Get Prednisone Over The Counter?

Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid that is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. It is not available over-the-counter in the United States or many other countries. There are good reasons prednisone requires a prescription, as the medication can have serious side effects if not taken appropriately under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

What Is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics the effects of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Some common uses of prednisone include:

• Treating severe allergic reactions
• Controlling symptoms of asthma and COPD
• Reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
• Managing certain cancers and preventing nausea from chemotherapy

Prednisone comes in tablet form and is usually taken once or twice per day. The dosage may be decreased over time as symptoms improve. Treatment typically lasts from several days to a few weeks, depending on the condition being treated.

Why Prednisone Is Prescription-Only

There are several reasons why prednisone is not available over-the-counter:

• Serious side effects - When taken long-term, prednisone can cause a number of side effects such as high blood pressure, bone loss, muscle weakness, eye issues, and increased risk of infection. A doctor needs to monitor for these side effects and adjust treatment accordingly.
• Dosing considerations - The dose of prednisone is tailored to each patient and condition being treated. Taking too much or too little could be harmful or render the drug ineffective. A doctor determines the appropriate dose based on factors like weight, health history, and treatment goals.
• Risk of dependence - With long-term use, prednisone can cause psychological and physical dependence. Stopping suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can create a tapering schedule to wean patients off prednisone safely.
• Misuse potential - Because prednisone gives a quick burst of energy and feelings of euphoria in some people, there is a potential for misuse and abuse.
• Interactions - Prednisone interacts with many other medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, diabetes drugs, and certain vaccines. A doctor needs to review your medications to ensure safety.
• Need for monitoring - Regular doctor visits are required to monitor for side effects and adjust prednisone dosing appropriately. Blood work and other tests are usually needed too.

Dangers of Getting Prednisone Without a Prescription

It is strongly advised to never use prednisone without a prescription. If you are trying to get prednisone without seeing a doctor, be aware of the following risks:

• You may receive the wrong dose or treatment duration for your condition.
• Underlying infections or other health issues could worsen while on prednisone.
• Prednisone could interact with other medications you are taking.
• Severe side effects could develop without proper monitoring.
• Symptoms may return stronger when the drug is stopped suddenly.
• You increase your risk for dependence and addiction.

Self-medicating with prednisone bought online or from questionable sources can seriously jeopardize your health. It is critical to discuss your condition with a doctor so the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Legal Consequences

It is illegal to acquire prescription medications without a valid prescription. Purchasing prednisone over the internet from international or unregulated sources violates federal and state laws. The risks include:

• Thousands of dollars in fines or imprisonment if caught
• Receiving counterfeit or contaminated medications
• Exposure of your personal information to criminals
• packages being seized by authorities at the border

The dangers far outweigh any perceived benefit of trying to get prednisone without seeing a healthcare provider. It also takes much more time and effort than making an appointment with your doctor.

When Is Prednisone Prescribed?

Your doctor may prescribe prednisone if you have one of the following conditions:

• Asthma flare-ups - Prednisone quickly reduces inflammation in the airways to help control asthma attacks when standard medications aren't sufficient.
• COPD exacerbations - It can ease breathing difficulties during COPD flare-ups while other treatments take effect.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - Prednisone manages joint pain and swelling and may allow lower doses of other RA medications.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases - For Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, prednisone provides fast relief of digestive flare-ups.
• Severe allergies - Anaphylaxis and serious allergic reactions may be treated with prednisone to rapidly reduce swelling, hives, and breathing problems.
• Certain cancers - It is used with chemotherapy to avoid nausea and mitigate damage to normal tissue.
• COVID-19 - In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, short steroid courses help prevent death in severe cases.

Your doctor will determine if prednisone is appropriate based on your health history, symptoms, and goals for treatment. There are often safer alternatives, so prednisone may not be the first medication choice.

Are There Alternatives to Prednisone?

For many conditions prednisone is used to treat, there are alternative options that may be safer and more appropriate for long-term use. Some prednisone alternatives to discuss with your doctor include:

• Inhaled steroids - For asthma, inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent are the preferred controller medication for prevention.
• Leukotriene modifiers - Drugs like Singulair block leukotrienes to reduce inflammation in asthma.
• Biologics - New biologics like Dupixent help control the immune response in asthma and eczema with less risk of side effects.
• Immunosuppressants - Azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine treat autoimmune conditions but may take longer to work.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) - Drugs like hydroxychloroquine can effectively manage rheumatoid arthritis with less harm over time.
• Biologics for arthritis - Adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and other biologics specifically target parts of the immune system that cause joint inflammation.

Discuss all your medication options with your healthcare provider to determine if there are safer alternatives to prednisone for your situation.

Tips for Taking Prednisone Safely

If prednisone is prescribed, work with your doctor to take it safely. Recommendations include:

• Take the exact dose and schedule prescribed by your doctor.
• Taper dosage slowly when stopping; do not quit suddenly.
• Watch for side effects like mood changes, increased appetite, headaches, and insomnia.
• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to strengthen bones.
• Avoid grapefruit juice and salt substitutes containing potassium.
• Monitor blood sugar closely if you have diabetes.
• Stay hydrated and limit sodium intake to minimize fluid retention.
• Avoid close contact with sick people to reduce infection risk.
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet in case of

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.