Question

A 32-year-old woman takes 10 days of high-dose prednisolone 50 mg for an asthma exacerbation. She is on chronic prednisolone 7.5 mg daily for severe rheumatoid arthritis. She now has a febrile illness with vomiting. What is the most appropriate advice regarding her corticosteroid therapy?

Accepted Answer

Double or triple her usual daily prednisolone dose during the acute illness

Answer

Stop prednisolone until she recovers

Answer

Reduce prednisolone to 2.5 mg daily

Answer

Change to alternate-day dosing

Answer

No change is required in intercurrent illness

Practice question

A 32-year-old woman takes 10 days of high-dose prednisolone 50 mg for an asthma exacerbation. She is on chronic prednisolone 7.5 mg daily for severe rheumatoid arthritis. She now has a febrile illness with vomiting. What is the most appropriate advice regarding her corticosteroid therapy?