Prednisone in Australia: How to get it, what to expect, and how to stay safe

Need prednisone in Australia? First thing: you usually can’t just buy it over the counter. Prednisone and its active form, prednisolone, are prescription medicines. That means a GP or specialist has to write a script before a pharmacy will hand you a box.

Where to get prednisone and how prescriptions work

Start with your GP. If your doctor thinks a steroid is right for your problem—like a bad asthma flare, allergic reaction, or an autoimmune issue—they’ll write a script and explain the dose. Some specialists write repeat scripts for ongoing conditions. In Australia, prednisolone is often used instead of prednisone because the body doesn’t need to activate it first. Either way, the pharmacy needs a valid prescription to sell it.

Wondering about cost? Some steroid prescriptions are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Whether you pay full price or a PBS rate depends on the exact drug, pack size, and your eligibility. Ask your GP or pharmacist if your script qualifies for PBS to avoid surprises at the counter.

Buying online or from overseas—what to watch for

Yes, there are online pharmacies that claim to ship steroids from overseas. That’s risky. Australian law requires a prescription for imported prescription meds too, and quality can’t be guaranteed from unknown overseas sites. If you’re ordering online, use a reputable Australian pharmacy that asks for a valid script. Don’t ignore this—fake or poor-quality steroids can harm you.

If you’re using telehealth, most legit Australian online pharmacies accept electronic prescriptions from registered doctors. Keep a copy of your script and check the pharmacy’s registration before you pay.

Short courses of steroids are common and safe when used as directed—like a few days to treat an acute flare. Long-term steroid use needs careful monitoring because side effects build up over time. Your doctor should explain how long to take them and whether you need blood tests, bone health checks, or other monitoring.

Common side effects include weight gain, mood swings, raised blood sugar, sleep trouble, and increased infection risk. For long courses, doctors often recommend calcium, vitamin D, and bone checks to lower osteoporosis risk. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health issues, tell your GP—steroids can affect these conditions.

Final tip: keep a clear record of what you take, follow the exact dose and tapering schedule your doctor gives, and call your GP if you notice worrying side effects. When in doubt, ask—your healthcare team is there to help you use steroids safely.