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Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and Prednisone (Rayos, Prednisone Intensol) are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation. Methylprednisolone is available in both oral and injectable forms, while prednisone is only available in oral forms, including tablets and liquid. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications can cause similar side effects like stomach irritation, mood changes, and sleep problems, but may also cause bone and eye problems with long-term use. To avoid sleep problems, it’s best to take the medications in the morning. The delayed-release form of prednisone (Rayos) may be taken before bed, as it releases the medication 4 hours after ingestion. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Methylprednisolone

(Medrol)

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Prednisone

 

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Summary for Methylprednisolone

Prescription only

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

Indications for Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

Pros and Cons for Methylprednisolone

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
  • Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
  • Also available in an easy-to-follow dose pack that organizes tablets into specific days and times

Cons

  • Long-term use might weaken your bones and cause high blood sugar
  • Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
  • Need to slowly lower your dose if you take it for a long time

Common Side Effects for Methylprednisolone

  • Swelling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Stomach pain
  • Bloating
  • Increased appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness

Warnings for Methylprednisolone

  • New or worsened infection
  • Mood and behavior changes
  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Changes in heart and kidney function
  • Stomach problems
  • Bone problems with long-term use
  • Eye problems with long-term use
  • High blood sugar

Summary for Prednisone

Prescription only

Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth by adults and children to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as allergies and certain skin conditions. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some of the common short-term side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a month or longer, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system.

Indications for Prednisone

This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

Pros and Cons for Prednisone

Pros

  • Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
  • Available as a liquid, which is a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Dose can be adjusted based on your response to the medication

Cons

  • Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
  • Need to taper your dose before stopping (if you took it for more than a couple of weeks)
  • Might raise your risk for infections, bone weakening, and skin problems if used long term
  • Can slow growth in children if they take it for a long period of time

Common Side Effects for Prednisone

  • Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)
  • Stomach bloating
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headache
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • Changes in your mood
  • Larger appetite (possibly leading to weight gain)
  • Higher blood sugar

Warnings for Prednisone

  • Greater risk of infections
  • Mood and behavior changes
  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Changes in heart and kidney function
  • Stomach problems
  • Bone problems with long-term use
  • Eye problems with long-term use

Prices with our coupons for Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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Methylprednisolone1 dose pack / 21 tablets of 4mg
$10.19$33.49
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Prednisone10 tablets / 20mg
$8.95-
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