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Long-term corticosteroid withdrawal — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsLong-term corticosteroid withdrawalGPhC CRA

A 59-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis has taken prednisolone 15mg daily for three months. She asks if she can stop today because her joints are better. She also has hypertension and type 2 diabetes. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: B — Do not stop abruptly; discuss a supervised taper and steroid-risk management with the prescriber.

Longer courses of systemic corticosteroids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and abrupt cessation can precipitate adrenal insufficiency. Her diabetes and hypertension also require monitoring during steroid use. A supervised taper and review of bone, glucose and blood pressure risk are appropriate.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS