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How To Decrease Prednisone Level?
Posted on
Sun, 1 Feb 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 1 Feb 2015
Answered on
Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Last reviewed on
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?
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
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
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?
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
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
4 mg 3 times a day plus 8mg at night for respiratory infection
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).
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).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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