Patients taking corticosteroids should not stop the medication how?

Patients taking corticosteroids should not stop the medication suddenly due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids, when administered for an extended period, suppress the body's natural adrenal function. If a patient stops taking these medications abruptly, especially after long-term use, their body may not be able to produce enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, leading to serious health complications.

Tapering the dose gradually allows the body's own adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production and helps prevent withdrawal symptoms. Consulting a doctor before making any changes to medication ensures that the patient can receive appropriate guidance and monitoring during the tapering process, safeguarding against potential adverse effects of sudden discontinuation.