Dexamethasone is a suitable alternative to prednisone for the treatment of acute asthma. Methotrexate is used as a steroid-sparing agent for many diseases. Enteral nutrition (a special diet that only contains fluids) can be used as an alternative to steroids to induce remission. People who follow this diet don't need to eat regular foods or beverages because the liquid diet provides them with all the necessary nutrients they need.
This approach may be especially helpful for children when there is concern that steroids may affect growth. In adults, studies show that steroids work better at inducing remission than enteral therapy, but liquid diets or supplements can be used to support nutrition. If you prefer to try the liquid diet approach, discuss this with our IBD team. Many people don't take prednisone for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that something currently available can completely replace it, but sometimes some medications are also used to reduce prednisone dependence. They include methotrexate, Arava, and anti-TNF drugs such as Enbrel, Humira and Remicade. They are also very powerful medications and should be used with caution, but can sometimes have good effects when taken in small amounts or as a short-term alternative to prednisone.
