Prednisone can be a lifesaver, but it’s also a bit of a necessary evil. Let’s talk about how to taper off this medication without wreaking havoc on your body.
What is Prednisone and Why Do We Use It?
Prednisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone made by our adrenal glands that’s vital for every system in our body, including regulating inflammation. In rheumatology, prednisone is a go-to because it’s about 3-5 times stronger than our natural cortisol. It’s used to quickly bring down inflammation in various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, vasculitis, and PMR. If you’ve ever flared up, chances are you’ve been prescribed prednisone to get things under control fast.
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