It's not a high dosage at all. Most prednisone tapers I have been on start at 60 mg. Even with tapers, you can feel withdrawal symptoms but usually only if you have been on a higher dosage for a while. You probably should speak to your doctor, but you are on a low dosage for a short period of time and I would think withdrawal symptoms should not be too worrisome.

Hopefully you’re taking it with food - if not that could explain the discomfort. You can probably safely stop if you prefer.

Thanks for the responses. I did take it with food, but still had the issues. I called my Drs office this morning and still no response! I haven't taken a second dose today yet, so I guess we'll see what happens. Plus I'm on a plane getting ready for takeoff. Good times. I guess I was thinking the total of 2 pills being 40mg would be too much to just stop.

The issue with stopping prednisone is that the adrenal gland needs time to adjust after its production of cortisone/cortisol has been shut down for an extended period. The is no adjustment time likely to be needed after one or two doses.

Thanks!

John,

Generally no taper is needed if the course is less than 2-3 weeks. The only danger to stopping after a single dose is not treating the original disease which is not likely it be an issue in your case. I echo the above. 40 mg of pred is considered a moderate steroid dose and not out of the ordinary to knock down a hypersensitivity reaction (poison ivy).

Safe travels.

Thanks for the response. I'm not sure why I had the reaction. I've taken Prednisone before without any problems. Maybe in lesser doses. Who knows? Of course, I took a lot of it years ago, when I was sick and before my J Pouch surgery. I try to forget those days. Either way, I just stopped it cold and don't seem to be having any issues, so I guess you guys were right! Thanks for all the help. 

John

Whenever my GI prescribes me Prednisone he gives me a script for Omeprazole to go along with it. He says it's to prevent developing ulcers while taking the Prednisone. I haven't had any stomach soreness when taking both, maybe it's worth asking your doctor? I believe it's similar to Prilosec. just my two cents.

Thanks, I appreciate the information!