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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Sudden Ceasing Of Prednisone Advisable For A Cardiac Patient?

my friend was just released from the hospital with CHF and also congestion in his lungs. Since released,he was put on 40 mg of prednisone for 7 days. While in the hospital it was 20 mg twice a day. He was in for 8 days before he was put on 40 mg for 7 days. Now he has stopped abruptly. Don t you have to slowly get off it.
Mon, 14 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concern for your beloved friend.
Sudden or abrupt ceasing of steroids like Prednisone is not advisable for a heart patient. Abrupt withdrawal of steroids particularly since he has taken this medication for more than two weeks, may cause a syndrome called 'acute adrenal crisis' resulting in excessive fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness, muscle tenderness, low blood pressure, confusion, dehydration, rapid heart rate or respiratory rate which can be dangerous in a patient with heart disease. That's why steroids should never be withdrawn suddenly, but rather must be tapered slowly.
Hope I could answer your query.
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Is Sudden Ceasing Of Prednisone Advisable For A Cardiac Patient?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concern for your beloved friend. Sudden or abrupt ceasing of steroids like Prednisone is not advisable for a heart patient. Abrupt withdrawal of steroids particularly since he has taken this medication for more than two weeks, may cause a syndrome called acute adrenal crisis resulting in excessive fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness, muscle tenderness, low blood pressure, confusion, dehydration, rapid heart rate or respiratory rate which can be dangerous in a patient with heart disease. That s why steroids should never be withdrawn suddenly, but rather must be tapered slowly. Hope I could answer your query.