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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Been On Cortef And Wish To Wean Off. What Is The Process Of Slow Tapering?

I have been on Corteff for about 2 years and no longer need it for the original purpose. My own Adrenals have gone to sleep and I want to get off of the Corteff. Everytime I go below 35 mg i crash physically and mentally.. so tired i cant function. What is the average half life of the 5mg cortex pills? Most Drs say that it is really difficult to get off at this point. Im sure there is a solution. I would like to speak with an endocrinologist with experience in this issue (pseudo Addisons). I understand that tapering has to be very slow and that it can require a year or more. Is there an endocrinologist available? thanks
Fri, 29 Nov 2013
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Nephrologist,  's  Response
Hello

Thanks for the query

It looks like you have become steroid dependent, I strongly recommend you not to taper the dose by yourself. You will have to first get a cortisol levels checked.
If you want to taper the medications it should be under guidance.
In our clinical practice we usually taper steroids 5mg every week and then stop,so for you it should be over 7 to 8 weeks.

I hope I was of help

Regards
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Have Been On Cortef And Wish To Wean Off. What Is The Process Of Slow Tapering?

Hello Thanks for the query It looks like you have become steroid dependent, I strongly recommend you not to taper the dose by yourself. You will have to first get a cortisol levels checked. If you want to taper the medications it should be under guidance. In our clinical practice we usually taper steroids 5mg every week and then stop,so for you it should be over 7 to 8 weeks. I hope I was of help Regards