What it's used for
Prednisone tablets are used to treat endocrine disorders like adrenocortical insufficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, as well as rheumatic disorders.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The initial dosage varies from 5 mg to 60 mg per day depending on the specific condition being treated.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Corticosteroids may suppress the immune system, mask signs of infection, and require increased dosages during unusual stress.
What it looks like
Illustrative only — appearance varies by manufacturer and strength. Photo credit: NLM Pillbox.
Common side effects
Side effects include fluid retention, sodium retention, potassium loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Prednisone cost without insurance
Cash prices for Prednisone without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Prednisone is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Prednisone dosage and administration
The initial dosage of prednisone may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg of prednisone per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, prednisone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE UNDER TREATMENT AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT .
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Prednisone side effects
Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Fluid retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness Steroid myopathy Loss of muscle mass Osteoporosis Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon Vertebral compression fractures Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads Pathologic fracture of long bones Gastrointestinal Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage Pancreatitis Abdominal distention Ulcerative esophagitis Dermatologic Impaired wound healing Thin fragile skin Petechiae and ecchymoses Facial erythema Increased sweating May suppress reactions to skin tests Metabolic Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism Neurological Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment Convulsions Vertigo Headache Endocrine Menstrual irregularities Development of Cushingoid state Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness Suppression of growth in children Decreased carbohydrate tolerance Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics Ophthalmic Posterior subcapsular cataracts Increased intraocular pressure Glaucoma Exophthalmos Additional Reactions Urticaria and other allergic, anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Who should not take prednisone
Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is prednisone covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Prednisone is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get prednisone through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a prednisone prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does prednisone cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for prednisone vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Prednisone is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get prednisone?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of prednisone are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of prednisone?
The initial dosage of prednisone may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg of prednisone per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of prednisone?
Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Fluid retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness Steroid myopathy Loss of muscle mass Osteoporosis Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon Vertebral compression fractures Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads Pathologic fracture of long bones Gastrointestinal Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage Pancreatitis Abdominal distention Ulcerative esophagitis Dermatologic Impaired wound healing Thin fragile skin Petechiae and ecchymoses Facial erythema Increased sweating May suppress reactions to skin tests Metabolic Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism Neurological Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment Convulsions Vertigo Headache Endocrine Menstrual irregularities Development of Cushingoid state Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness Suppression of growth in children Decreased carbohydrate tolerance Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics Ophthalmic Posterior subcapsular cataracts Increased intraocular pressure Glaucoma Exophthalmos Additional Reactions Urticaria and other allergic, anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
Prednisone is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
Start your membership → Compare plansTab is a membership and prescription-discount program, not insurance. A licensed clinician must prescribe any medication. Cancel anytime — no renewal.