I started over a year ago with 5 mg and have tapered down to 2 mg now. I still have pain and stiffness most all day but can function after a couple hours. My doctor wants me to lower the dose to 1 mg in July but I’m not optimist because of my current pain and stiffness. I never take prednisone on an empty stomach because the last thing I need is gastrointestinal problems. I usually have a piece of toast with peanut butter as well as a bowl of cereal before taking meds.