Systemic Steroid Taper

It's understandable to want to stop quickly out of concern for side effects, but abruptly stopping systemic steroids is very dangerous. The adrenal glands, which have been suppressed for a long time, cannot resume function immediately, potentially causing adrenal insufficiency — a shortage of a hormone your body absolutely needs — and in severe cases progressing to adrenal crisis. The original inflammatory or autoimmune disease can also flare up sharply. That's why tapering must always follow a stepwise schedule set by your prescribing doctor, based on your disease status and adrenal function.

Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective

Dongjedang's principle is clear. Korean medicine does not help you stop steroids on your own — its role is to support your body through the process of gradually tapering as your doctor instructs. If you're worried about side effects, discuss with your prescribing doctor whether the taper can be accelerated, and let Korean medicine cushion the rebound during that process — this is the safe and realistic path.