Pain & inflammation
Timed-release corticosteroid
Prednisone (delayed-release)
Also known as: Lodotra, Rayos
Best time
Around 22:00
- 21:30–22:30
Taken at 22:00, it releases around 02:00–04:00 to stop rheumatoid arthritis morning stiffness at its source.
Strong evidence
Consistent clinical trials or official prescribing guidance support this timing.
Why this time works
Inflammatory signals like IL-6 surge in the early morning hours, causing RA morning stiffness. This tablet delays release by ~4 hours so the steroid arrives right before that surge. Trials showed less morning stiffness than standard morning prednisone.
Body rhythm involved
IL-6 and inflammatory cytokines peak 02:00–07:00.