Figure 3. Relationship of glucocorticoid dose to disease control
and adverse drug reactions
At treatment doses of glucocorticoids, disease control comes at the cost
of dose-related and continuous use adverse drug reactions. When
glucocorticoids are withdrawn, disease reactivation and end-of-use
(withdrawal) reactions emerge as dose-related adverse reactions
diminish. Adrenal insufficiency can become symptomatic when the dose of
exogenous glucocorticoids falls below physiological glucocorticoid
levels. Psychological dependence on glucocorticoids is not dose
dependent.