Prednisone is a prescription medication classified as a corticosteroid and used for treating many diseases, including asthma, skin conditions, stomach illnesses, cancers and disorders of the eye. Prednisone cannot be discontinued abruptly because it may cause withdrawal effects.
Appropriate Use
The dose and duration of treatment with prednisone should be based on the risk versus benefit for each individual, explains The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The patient should be administered the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time to minimize adverse reactions. A gradual decrease in dose is required when stopping the drug. The length of time needed to taper off prednisone depends on the dose, duration of therapy and the disease it is being used for.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Prednisone therapy that is stopped suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, joint pain, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue. "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" states that tapering off too quickly may produce a worsening of the disease being treated.
Reduction of Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms that are severe require a slower tapering off. If the patient has been on prednisone therapy for a long time, the physician may prescribe a higher dose one day followed by a lower dose on the alternate day, while decreasing the higher dose over time, according to the University of Washington. Joint pain and muscle aches may be treated with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
References
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Prednisone
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- University of Washington: Corticosteroids for Arthritis
