Disclosed are compounds of general formula (I) that function as prodrugs, thereby increasing bioavailabilities of the linked therapeutic agents, wherein the LINKER is (i) substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, (ii) substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, (iii) substituted or unsubstituted alkanoyl, (iv) substituted or unsubstituted alkenoyl wherein the double bond is cis, and (v) (ortho or para) carbonyl-substituted aryl; and wherein the substituent is each an independent group or linked together thereby forming a ring; and wherein X is one or more substituted or unsubstituted group containing one or more O, N, or S atom and wherein the substituent is each an independent group or linked together thereby forming a ring; and wherein the therapeutic agent is an alcohol-containing water-insoluble steroids or another alcohol containing compounds and methods to prepare such compounds.