Despite their effectiveness, steroid-induced side effects generally require the gradual reduction of the drug as soon as the disease being treated is under control. The amount of time it takes to decrease prednisone depends on the condition being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take from one week to several months. Contact your doctor if you experience withdrawal symptoms from prednisone as you reduce your medication.
Patients exposed to a cumulatively high dose of steroids or to longer exposure require a slower decline in steroids.