Which statement about prednisone after adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease is incorrect?

Which statement about prednisone after adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease is incorrect?

• A. It must be tapered when discontinuing this medication.
• B. Take the medication regularly; do not skip doses.
• C. Stop taking the medication if you develop a round face.
• D. Wear a MedicAlert bracelet in case of an emergency.

Answer: (C)

After adrenalectomy for Cushing’s disease, the body can no longer produce enough cortisol, so prednisone replacement is essential. Dosing must be done regularly to keep cortisol levels stable and prevent adrenal crisis. If discontinuation is ever considered, it should be done by tapering under a clinician’s guidance to avoid withdrawal and a dangerous drop in cortisol. A round face can be a sign of prednisone’s effects, not a signal to stop the medication; stopping abruptly could trigger an adrenal crisis because the body doesn’t have its own cortisol to rely on. Wearing a MedicAlert bracelet is important because it informs others in an emergency that you are steroid-dependent and may need immediate steroid treatment. In stressful situations or illness, you may require dose adjustments rather than stopping the medication altogether.

After adrenalectomy for Cushing’s disease, the body can no longer produce enough cortisol, so prednisone replacement is essential. Dosing must be done regularly to keep cortisol levels stable and prevent adrenal crisis. If discontinuation is ever considered, it should be done by tapering under a clinician’s guidance to avoid withdrawal and a dangerous drop in cortisol. A round face can be a sign of prednisone’s effects, not a signal to stop the medication; stopping abruptly could trigger an adrenal crisis because the body doesn’t have its own cortisol to rely on. Wearing a MedicAlert bracelet is important because it informs others in an emergency that you are steroid-dependent and may need immediate steroid treatment. In stressful situations or illness, you may require dose adjustments rather than stopping the medication altogether.