Prednisone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis and other conditions. Prednisone is classified as a corticosteroid. Synthetic corticosteroids, like prednisone, are designed to mimic cortisol action in body. Cortisol is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. Prednisone is available in tablet form, liquid, or concentrated solution to take by mouth. While the drug is effective for many arthritis patients, there are warnings to ensure safe use of the drug.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 7.7% of the prescriptions were for prednisone -- making it the second most commonly prescribed of the arthritis drugs.
