Never stop Prednisone abruptly. Your doctor will create a tapering schedule, gradually reducing your dosage over several weeks or months. This prevents adrenal insufficiency, a serious condition where your body doesn’t produce enough cortisol.
Typical tapering schedules involve decreasing the dose by a small amount (e. g., 5mg) every few days or a week. Your doctor will adjust the schedule based on your individual needs and response to treatment. Closely follow their instructions.
During the tapering process, monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, or dizziness. Report any of these symptoms immediately to your doctor. They might need to adjust your tapering plan.
Expect some allergy symptoms to return as the Prednisone dose decreases. This is normal. Your doctor may recommend other allergy medications to manage these symptoms.
Consistent communication with your doctor throughout the tapering process is vital. Regular checkups allow them to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure a smooth transition off Prednisone.
Complete the entire tapering schedule as prescribed, even if you feel better. Prematurely stopping Prednisone can lead to serious health complications.
