After a 7-day prednisone course of 40 mg, the recommended taper duration is over how long?

• A. 1 week
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 3 weeks
• D. 4 weeks

Answer: (B)

When you give glucocorticoids like prednisone, the body’s own cortisol production can be suppressed. Even a one-week course at a high dose can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, so a gradual taper helps the adrenal glands regain function and reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms or a rebound of symptoms.

For a 7-day course of prednisone at 40 mg, the recommended taper duration is about two weeks. This two-week period allows a gradual restoration of endogenous cortisol production while easing the body off the exogenous steroid. Stopping abruptly or tapering too quickly can increase the chances of withdrawal effects or symptom recurrence, while extending the taper beyond about two weeks is generally reserved for longer or higher-dose courses.