Medrol dose packs are actually steroids, but it is methylprednisone, so it metabolizes differently. But I do agree because I use the 4mg Medrol dose packs instead of 10mg Prednisone, and they cause me a lot less side effects, too.

Ask your rheumy about medrol. For me it has less side effects but works the same.

Whenever I have severe flares I do take it, I have some at home for me to use instead of running to the ER. If you take it early enough, you're not going to be taking it for a very long time. Even for those who do, small doses everyday for a month or two, when you are in such severe pain your life stops--prednisone is a welcoming catch-22. I know I have my moments every time I consider using it, but it is either that, or irreversible joint damage from every flare, pleurisy, something going on with other organs because of inflammation (I have Lupus symptoms to contend with, too) and just overall BLEH. So, if your doctor thinks it may be a good option, try it; methotrexate and Plaquenil & biologics aren't fast-acting meds, you know? Pray that you aren't flaring now and feel well

Yes, it is a fast-acting drug that works wonders but is SO DESTRUCTIVE to our bodies. It causes bones to become brittle, causes bone loss, can cause irreversible diabetes or you can become pre-diabetic. I'm in the medical field and we have had patients need their hips replaced due to long history of taking prednisone. Look into the Hemp Seeds and CBD oil.. Look at postings on this site by a member GOLDENyears.

Prednisone was my best friend for 5 years.