I have been on prednisone for over 30 years, since age 16, for severe asthma. I usually am able to get down to 20 mgs alternate days but am finding it harder now that i am in my late 40's. i take theophylline, ventolin, formoterol, omeprazole, flucticasone inhalers everyday, and do acupuncture regularly. are there any new drugs to help me so i don't have to keep on taking the prednisone in larger doses whenever i have been having flare ups- every 2 months now? has anyone had success with alternative therapies?