Compare Deltasone (Prednisone) with Alternatives: What Works Best for You

When your doctor prescribes Deltasone - which is just another name for Prednisone - you might feel confused. Why this drug? Are there safer or cheaper options? You’re not alone. Thousands of people in New Zealand, the US, and beyond take Prednisone every year for inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or allergies. But it’s not the only option. And not everyone tolerates it well.

What is Prednisone (Deltasone) really doing in your body?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid. It mimics cortisol, the natural hormone your adrenal glands make to manage stress, reduce inflammation, and calm your immune system. Deltasone is simply the brand name for generic Prednisone. Both work the same way: they suppress overactive immune responses.

Doctors use it for conditions like:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma flare-ups
• Severe allergic reactions
• Multiple sclerosis relapses
• Some types of cancer (as part of chemo regimens)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)

But here’s the catch: Prednisone doesn’t just target the problem area. It affects your whole body. That’s why side effects like weight gain, mood swings, high blood sugar, and bone thinning are common - especially with long-term use.

Why look for alternatives?

If you’ve been on Prednisone for more than a few weeks, you’ve probably noticed some of these:

• Insomnia or night sweats
• Increased appetite and belly fat
• Acne or thinning skin
• Mood swings or anxiety
• High blood pressure or glucose levels

These aren’t just annoying - they can be dangerous. Long-term use increases your risk of osteoporosis, cataracts, and even heart disease. Many patients stop taking Prednisone not because it doesn’t work, but because the side effects feel worse than the original condition.

That’s why doctors now look for alternatives - drugs that do the same job with fewer risks.

Alternative 1: Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

Methylprednisolone is very similar to Prednisone - it’s another corticosteroid. But it’s slightly stronger and has a shorter half-life. That means it clears your system faster.

Why choose it?

• Often used for short bursts (like 5-day packs for asthma or allergies)
• May cause less fluid retention than Prednisone
• Available as tablets, injections, or IV infusions

But here’s the trade-off: because it’s stronger, the side effects can hit harder if you take it too long. It’s not a magic fix - just a different tool.

Alternative 2: Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is the closest thing to your body’s natural cortisol. It’s weaker than Prednisone, so it’s not used for severe inflammation. But it’s perfect for mild conditions.

Common uses:

• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
• Mild eczema or skin rashes (topical form)
• Allergic reactions where you need a gentle steroid

It’s often prescribed to patients who need long-term steroid therapy but can’t handle the side effects of stronger ones. If your condition is stable and not aggressive, Hydrocortisone might be enough - with far fewer risks.

Alternative 3: Budesonide (Pulmicort, Entocort)

Budesonide is a game-changer for people with asthma or inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike Prednisone, it’s designed to work locally - in your lungs or gut - and then break down quickly in your liver. This means less of it enters your bloodstream.

Here’s what that means for you:

• For asthma: Inhaled Budesonide reduces flare-ups without the weight gain or blood sugar spikes
• For Crohn’s disease: Entocort targets the ileum (lower intestine) with minimal systemic exposure
• Side effects are dramatically lower - especially bone and metabolic risks

It’s not a replacement for every Prednisone prescription, but for targeted conditions, it’s often the first choice now.

Alternative 4: Non-steroidal options: DMARDs and Biologics

If you’re on Prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you’re probably not meant to stay on it forever. That’s where disease-modifying drugs come in.

DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) like Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, or Leflunomide work slower - weeks to months - but they change the course of autoimmune disease. They reduce joint damage and can let you stop Prednisone entirely.

Biologics like Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), or Rituximab (Rituxan) are even more targeted. They block specific parts of your immune system that cause inflammation. These are expensive, but for many, they’re life-changing.

One 2023 study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who switched from long-term Prednisone to Methotrexate + a biologic had:

• 47% fewer flare-ups
• 32% less joint damage on X-rays
• Significantly lower rates of bone fractures and diabetes

These aren’t quick fixes. But they’re the real solution for chronic conditions.

Alternative 5: Natural and supportive approaches

Some people ask: “Can I replace Prednisone with turmeric, fish oil, or CBD?”

The short answer: no. Not as a direct replacement. But they can help reduce inflammation and lower your steroid dose.

Research shows:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) reduce CRP - a marker of inflammation - by up to 25% in some studies
• Turmeric (curcumin) has mild anti-inflammatory effects, especially for arthritis
• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to worse autoimmune outcomes - correcting it helps your body respond better to treatment

These aren’t drugs. But when combined with medical treatment, they reduce your need for high-dose steroids. Many rheumatologists now recommend them as part of a full plan.

How to decide which alternative is right for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Your choice depends on:

• Your condition: Is it asthma, arthritis, or a skin rash?
• How long you’ve been on Prednisone: Short-term? Long-term?
• Your side effects: Are you gaining weight? Struggling with blood sugar?
• Your budget: Biologics cost thousands per year. Budesonide is cheaper. Hydrocortisone is often covered fully.

Here’s a quick guide:

What to ask your doctor

If you’re on Prednisone and thinking about alternatives, don’t wait until side effects get bad. Ask these questions:

• “Is this the lowest dose I can stay on?”
• “Is there a targeted therapy like Budesonide that could replace this?”
• “Could a DMARD or biologic help me get off steroids completely?”
• “What are the risks if I stay on this for another 6 months?”
• “Can we try reducing my dose slowly while adding another treatment?”

Many doctors still default to Prednisone because it’s cheap and fast. But guidelines have changed. The American College of Rheumatology now recommends minimizing steroid use whenever possible.

When not to stop Prednisone

Important: Never quit Prednisone cold turkey. Your body stops making its own cortisol if you take it for more than a few weeks. Stopping suddenly can cause adrenal crisis - low blood pressure, vomiting, confusion, even death.

Always taper under medical supervision. Your doctor will slowly lower your dose over weeks or months. If you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseous during tapering, call your doctor. That’s your body asking for help.

Final thoughts

Prednisone is powerful. It saves lives. But it’s not a long-term solution for most people. The good news? There are smarter, safer ways to manage inflammation today.

Budesonide for asthma. Methotrexate for arthritis. Hydrocortisone for mild cases. Biologics for severe autoimmune disease. And lifestyle changes to support it all.

You don’t have to live with the side effects. Talk to your doctor. Ask about alternatives. Your body will thank you.