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How To Decrease Prednisone Level?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Question: Taking a prednisone pack and it has raised my blood sugar. I know I should decrease the prednisone gradually . Is it dangerous to take less than the required amount?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Very gradual withdrawal recommended

Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern. Prednisone is a powerful steroid and on long use, cause shut down of body's own steroid (cortisol) production. So please do not stop it immedietly. It is not clear about the indication of prednisone in your case. However, before any attempt to reduuce the dose please consult your doctor who prescribed prednisone.
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (20 minutes later)
Can u give me a safe way to reduce? Like, 1 or 2 less per day? And when? Less maybe at night, or take a half pill at times?Is it possible that the prednisone has increased my blood sugar level?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your current Steroid regimen

Detailed Answer:
What i your current regimen? ( Eg: 10 mg morning and 5 mg evening ) . And what was the indication for starting prednisone ?

Better to reduce at night first. Reduce by 5 mg each week. It would e helpful if you can answer my above questions.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (40 minutes later)
4 mg 3 times a day plus 8mg at night for respiratory infection
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A tapering regimen

Detailed Answer:
Yes, Steroids will surely increase blood glucose levels. I guess you have been taking the steroid for less than 2 weeks now.

1) You could reduce night dose to 4 mg for the next 2 days and then stop the night dose.
2) Over next couple of days, slowly reduce day dose to 4 mg two times a day ( morning and lunch time) for next 2 days.

3) Then make 4 mg once a day ( morning only) for the 3-4 days and stop.

However, if you have been taking the steroids for more than 2 weeks, then a much slower weaning off is required ( over a period of 1 month or so).

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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How To Decrease Prednisone Level?

Brief Answer: Very gradual withdrawal recommended Detailed Answer: Good day Noted your concern. Prednisone is a powerful steroid and on long use, cause shut down of body's own steroid (cortisol) production. So please do not stop it immedietly. It is not clear about the indication of prednisone in your case. However, before any attempt to reduuce the dose please consult your doctor who prescribed prednisone. Regards Binu