Tag: Immune suppression

Hydrocortisone is the pharmaceutical name for cortisol, a steroid hormone naturally produced by your body's adrenal glands. So, **what does hydrocortizone do**? It primarily functions to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, making it a powerful and versatile medication used to treat a wide array of conditions, from mild skin irritations to severe systemic diseases.

Studies show that taking more than 20 mg of prednisone daily for over two weeks can lead to immunosuppression [1.4.4, 1.8.5]. Understanding how long is the immune system compromised after prednisone is crucial for managing health and minimizing infection risk during recovery.

In the United States, about 6.8% of the adult population uses oral corticosteroids annually [1.11.2]. As a potent member of this class, a key question arises for many patients: **Does dexamethasone weaken your immune system?** The answer is yes, and this effect is central to both its therapeutic action and its risks.