Gradually reduce your prednisone dose. This prevents adrenal insufficiency, a serious condition where your body doesn’t produce enough cortisol.
Rapid withdrawal can trigger severe symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and even life-threatening adrenal crisis. Your doctor will create a personalized tapering schedule based on your individual needs and health status.
A slow reduction allows your body to adjust naturally to lower cortisol levels, minimizing the risk of these complications. Typical tapering schedules involve decreasing the dose by a small amount every few days or weeks.
Closely monitor your body’s response during the tapering process. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately. This ensures timely adjustments to your medication plan.
Following your doctor’s prescribed tapering schedule is paramount for a safe and successful transition off prednisone. Don’t adjust your dosage without consulting your physician.
Remember, the goal is to minimize side effects while allowing your body to regain its natural cortisol production. Patient adherence to the tapering plan is key to achieving this.
