20mg · 10-count · Inflammation · Brand: Deltasone · Generic available
| Pharmacy | Cash Price | Per-30-Day Equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Cheapest | $4.11 | $4.11 |
| Walmart | $4.65 | $4.65 |
| Kroger | $5.27 | $5.27 |
| Target | $6.04 | $6.04 |
| Rite Aid | $16.66 | $16.66 |
| CVS | $17.43 | $17.43 |
| Walgreens | $18.59 | $18.59 |
The generic form of Prednisone (Prednisone) contains the same active ingredient and is bioequivalent to the brand. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic — it works the same way, typically at a fraction of the brand-name cost.
Tip: In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless your prescriber writes "dispense as written" (DAW).
Prednisone (20mg) is sold under the brand name Deltasone and the generic Prednisone. A standard supply tracked here is 10 units at 20mg.
Pharmacy pricing is not regulated in the United States, so retailers set their own cash prices. Large retailers like Walmart and Costco typically offer lower prices on generics because they use prescriptions as a traffic driver. Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens tend to charge more for the same medication.
Anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone are often prescribed as a short taper, so total cost is usually low regardless of pharmacy.
Prednisone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids, used to reduce inflammation and calm an overactive immune response across a wide range of conditions. It's typically prescribed for a defined course — sometimes with a tapering dose schedule — rather than open-ended daily use, because stopping a longer course abruptly can be unsafe. Always follow your prescriber's specific tapering instructions rather than stopping early once you feel better.
Shop around. The cheapest pharmacy tracked here (Costco at $4.11) charges meaningfully less than the most expensive option ($18.59). A quick call can save real money.
Ask for the generic. If your doctor prescribed the brand-name Deltasone, ask your pharmacist whether a generic is available. In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."
Use a discount card. Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx can sometimes negotiate prices lower than retail cash. The estimated low price for Prednisone is around $3.58.
Because Prednisone is a generic medication, manufacturer-sponsored copay savings cards — the kind commonly offered for newer, brand-name drugs — generally aren't available for it. Deltasone's manufacturer typically doesn't offer a savings card once generic competition exists, though it's worth checking their site directly if your prescriber specifically writes for the brand product. For most patients filling the generic, the discount-card and pharmacy membership options described above are the more realistic way to lower cost.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and formulary. Most medications in this category are covered under standard health insurance, typically in Tier 1 or Tier 2. If your copay is higher than the cash price above, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket — ask your pharmacist to compare. Short-course corticosteroids like prednisone are inexpensive and almost never subject to prior authorization.
Prices shown are estimated retail cash prices modeled from CMS's public NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) dataset, cross-referenced against typical major-chain retail markups. Actual prices vary by location and change frequently. RxCostCheck does not collect or sell your health data. Learn more →
How much does Prednisone cost without insurance?
Without insurance, Prednisone (20mg) ranges from $4.11 at Costco to $18.59 at Walgreens. With a discount card, the price can be as low as $3.58.
Where is the cheapest place to fill Prednisone?
Costco typically offers the lowest estimated cash price at $4.11 for 10 20mg.
Is there a generic for Prednisone?
Yes — the generic Prednisone is available and bioequivalent to Deltasone. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic to save money.
What if my insurance doesn't cover Prednisone at all?
Ask your prescriber whether a covered therapeutic alternative in the same drug class exists, or ask your pharmacist about a formulary exception or medical-necessity appeal — some plans will cover an otherwise-excluded drug once that documentation is on file. In the meantime, the cash and discount-card pricing shown above is usually the fastest fallback.
Does a 90-day supply of Prednisone cost less than three 30-day fills?
Often, yes — many pharmacies and insurance plans price a 90-day fill at a lower effective per-dose cost than separate 30-day fills, and some mail-order pharmacy benefits are built specifically around 90-day supplies. Ask your pharmacist or insurer whether a 90-day option is available for this medication before assuming the count shown above is your only choice.
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