Why oral steroids must be tapered?

Taper?: Generally do not have to taper. Oral steroids are tapered for two reasons. #1 to prevent flare of disease. #2 to reduce likelihood of adrenal insufficiency. Most diseases do not flare when steroids are stopped abruptly ( there are some exceptions) - they do flare when stopped too early. Adrenal insufficiency can occur but only with higher dose and prolonged courses of steroids.