Prednisone is a corticosteroid that comes in oral or liquid form. It works by acting on the immune system to help reduce the inflammation in the airways of people with asthma. Prednisone is a synthetic cortisone. The body makes cortisone, a natural hormone made in adrenal glands. The body converts it to Hydrocortisone to become active. 25 mg of cortisone has about same effect as 5 mgm prednisone. The average person would produce 3-6 mg of pred daily. So why use a substitute? The synthetic has more anti-inflammatory. Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, allergies and many other conditions. They also treat Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands aren't able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs. How long does it take once you stop prednisone for the side effects to go away? Asked 12 Oct 2016 by Marie1479 Updated 23 November 2016 Topics pain, prednisone, side effect, inflammatory conditions, shoulder, neck Prednisone is a common synthetic corticosteroid medication that was initially synthesized in 1955. Upon ingestion of prednisone, it doesn’t elicit significant biological effects until converted via the liver to the pharmacologically active chemical “prednisolone.” Prednisone Side Effects: It is an oral steroid pill. If you are suffering from critical proliferating of asthma signs (an asthma harm), your doctor might suggest you a short program of oral steroids like prednisone. pill to start and then 1/4 of a pill every other day and see how he acts on it. He is saying to keep him on it long term with the 1/4 of a 5 mg every other day if it looks like it agrees with him and makes him feal better. Hi friends, I don't have MS but this forum is so full of knowledge I can't leave :) this is an unrelated question to MS or even MM (multiple myeloma what i have) I am on Prednisone for an asthma flair up. Upset. Prednisone does cause depression, as well stays in your system for a long time, but since you were on it a short time it could maybe stay in your body for about 2 to 3 weeks. Continued. Inhaled steroids (asthma inhalers) are safe for adults and children. Side effects with these anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers are minimal.