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Corticosteroid withdrawal — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsCorticosteroid withdrawalGPhC CRA

A 58-year-old man has taken prednisolone 30mg daily for 6 weeks for polymyalgia rheumatica. He feels better and asks whether he can stop because the tablets cause indigestion. What monitoring is required?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Do not stop suddenly and contact the prescriber for a tapering plan

After several weeks of systemic corticosteroids, adrenal suppression can occur and abrupt cessation may cause adrenal insufficiency or flare of disease. Dose reduction should follow a prescriber-directed tapering plan. Indigestion should be discussed, and gastroprotection or timing with food may be considered.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS