Just an observation. An adult's body normally produces about 4mg equivalent of cortisone per day, all things being equal. So many people whose adrenals have been suppressed cannot go below this level. Equally, 4mg of prednisolone orally per day 'should' have little adverse effect. The adverse effects of higher doses include suppression of the immune system, ( which is why it is used for auto immune disorders), effects of glucose, protein, and fat metabolism, hence the high blood sugars and A1c levels, and salt/potassium/electrolyte handling by the kidney, often causing oedema. The mixed effects of steroids also decrease vascular permeability, thus helping attacks of SCLS.
Gradually tapering doses of steroids are well used in polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition marked by severe body pains and fatigue, and whose hallmark is a high sed rate. If the dose is tapered too fast, the myalgia may return with a vengeance.
The bottom line is that steroids can be life saving, but also very difficult.