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Prednisone for 5 days: Do I need to taper?

Prednisone for 5 days: Do I need to taper?

Tapering is a critical phase when taking prednisone! Should you taper even if you’re just taking it short-term?

Or is it safe enough to just go off “cold-turkey” without tapering?  Find out the answer by watching this video.

Watch now!

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Prednisone Taper Chart

Receive a free Prednisone Taper Chart to help you know when to taper down in prednisone dose. This does not substitute your doctor’s prescription.

Conclusion

When discontinuing Prednisone, the key point to remember is that it is generally safe to stop using the drug in 5 days or less without tapering.

However, if the user has been taking Prednisone for 10 days or more, tapering should be used to discontinue use.

Tapering should be done with the guidance of a physician, and online resources such as downloadable plans and worksheets can aid in the tapering process.

Tapering is helpful because it allows the user to slowly transition off of the drug in a safe manner, reducing the risk of adverse side effects.

Key Takeaways

  • Tapering plans and worksheets can help guide the process.
  • Prednisone should be discontinued over 5 days or less without tapering.
  • Prednisone should be tapered when discontinuing for 10 days or more.
  • Tapering should be done with the advice of a doctor.

Further Reading:

  1. How to Take Prednisone 10mg for 5 Days
  2. How to Taper Prednisone – Printable Taper Chart
  3. Prednisone Dosage: What’s Normal Prednisone Dose? Discover more prednisone dosage taper options.
  4. Adrenal Support for Prednisone Tapering
  5. Prednisone Taper Trap

Dr. Megan Milne, PharmD, BCACP

Dr. Megan Milne, PharmD, BCACP, is an award-winning clinical pharmacist board certified in the types of conditions people take prednisone for. Dr. Megan had to take prednisone herself for an autoimmune condition so understands what it feels like to suffer prednisone side effects and made it her mission to counteract them as the Prednisone Pharmacist.

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