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Key takeaways
Prednisone is a cost-effective generic medication used to treat various medical conditions, including inflammatory diseases and certain cancers, with the cost for uninsured patients averaging $13 for ten, 20 mg tablets.
Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and Medicaid, typically cover prednisone under Tier 1, indicating a low copayment, but actual out-of-pocket costs can vary based on the plan’s specifics.
Alternatives to prednisone for symptomatic relief include over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies, although they are not as effective as prescription corticosteroids for severe conditions.
Savings on prednisone without insurance can be achieved through methods such as using a SingleCare discount card, shopping around for the lowest price, considering reputable online pharmacies, or seeking discounts at local community health clinics.
Is prednisone covered by insurance? | How much does prednisone cost without insurance? | How to get prednisone without insurance
Prednisone is a generic prescription drug used to treat a wide spectrum of medical conditions that range from inflammatory conditions to cancer. As a corticosteroid, prednisone is primarily used in lower doses to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness. It is used in higher doses to block the immune system in people who have serious autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, or lupus, who have had a transplant, or who have certain types of blood disorders. Prednisone is also used in high doses to slow or stop the growth of cancers. Taken as an oral tablet or solution, the dosage and treatment duration will vary based on the condition being treated and its severity. Typically, however, people take prednisone tablets for only a few days. It’s a comparatively inexpensive generic medication; the more expensive brand-name version called Deltasone, is no longer available. Although prednisone is comparatively affordable, people can find ways to significantly reduce its cost, even to less than $1 for a 10-day course of treatment.
Is prednisone covered by insurance?
Prednisone is a widely prescribed and proven prescription medication, so people with health insurance should expect their prescription to be covered for FDA approved conditions. This includes Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
Both prednisone and prednisone intensol (prednisone oral solution) are usually designated Tier 1 drugs in insurance company formularies. Tier 1 drugs have the lowest copay, so people with health insurance should expect prednisone to cost only a few dollars. However, the actual out-of-pocket expense will depend on other factors including the insurance plan’s deductible, coinsurance, and, for people on Medicare Part D, the current coverage phase.
How much does prednisone cost without insurance?
On average, uninsured patients will pay a cash price of $13 for 10, 20 mg prednisone tablets, or about $1.30 per tablet. Prednisone treatment can last anywhere from three to 10 days, but some people may take it for longer. In general, however, healthcare professionals are cautioned to not use prednisone or other corticosteroids for too long a time because of potentially serious side effects including weight gain, osteoporosis, heart disease, and infections.
Because prednisone is relatively inexpensive, people usually switch to other drugs because of problems such as side effects rather than cost. There are over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies that can provide symptomatic relief for swelling, pain, stiffness, and allergic reactions. People may prefer these alternatives because of price, side effects, or safety. However, none are as effective as prescription corticosteroids in preventing or relieving severe conditions or treating diseases such as cancer.
Compare prednisone prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Prednisone | $13 per 10, 20 mg tablets (10 days) of generic prednisone | $1 per 10, 20 mg tablets (10 days) of generic prednisone | See updated prices |
| Prednisone Intensol (prednisone oral solution) | $162 for 1, 30 mL bottle of 5 mg/mL oral solution of Prednisone Intensol | $131 for 1, 30 mL bottle of 5 mg/mL oral solution of generic prednisone Intensol | See updated prices |
| Orapred ODT (prednisolone sodium phosphate) | $199 per 5, 15 mg dissolving tablets | $61 per 5, 15 mg dissolving tablets of generic Orapred ODT | See updated prices |
| Medrol (methylprednisolone) | $81 for 1 therapy pack with 21 tablets | $6 for 1 therapy pack with 21 tablets of generic Medrol | See updated prices |
| Cortef (hydrocortisone) | $212 per 90, 10 mg tablets | $15 per 90, 10 mg tablets of generic Cortef | See updated prices |
| Taperdex 6-Day (dexamethasone) | $235 per 21 tablets (6 days) | $25 per 21 tablets (6 days) of generic Taperdex | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get prednisone without insurance
The cost of prednisone treatment may be affordable for some even without insurance coverage. However, this may not be true for everyone. No matter what the case, it makes sense to save money. A manufacturer’s patient assistance program may help, but they’re not usually available for low-priced generic medications and they often have eligibility requirements. There are more certain ways to save. A SingleCare savings card is a good place to start.
1. Use a free coupon from SingleCare
With a free discount card from SingleCare, the cash price of prednisone tablets can be less than $1, that is, $12 off the average retail price. Prescription savings will vary based on the participating pharmacy. SingleCare’s How It Works FAQs can answer some of your questions.
2. Shop for the lowest price
Even inexpensive prescription medications can have surprisingly different prices from pharmacy to pharmacy. Be sure to check SingleCare’s pharmacy finder page for the cheapest pharmacy near you.
3. Buy online
If you’re willing to include online mail-order pharmacies on your price comparison list, you could save on a prednisone prescription. Before doing so, though, read SingleCare’s mail order pharmacy tip on buying drugs online.
4. Get a discount at a local community health clinic or hospital
Some clinics, hospitals, and community health centers may be able to fill a prednisone prescription for only a few dollars.
